Commercial solar in the Canton of SchaffhausenNew energy law 2026.

Rules for businesses in the Canton of Schaffhausen

Since 1 January 2026, a new energy law has applied in the Canton of Schaffhausen. Two points matter for commerce and industry. New buildings with energy reference area must install a solar power system of at least 30 W per m² of energy reference area. For new buildings without energy reference area, such as halls and warehouses, from 150 m² of countable building area and with sufficient global radiation, at least 60 percent of the roof area must be covered. For comprehensive roof renovations from 300 m², the roof area must be used for own power. A transition period applies until 31 December 2026.

Businesses with large amounts of waste heat, more than 2 GWh unused per year, have additional duties. For new buildings with large waste heat, the solar potential must be used for power generation.

Notification instead of building permit

Roof systems in building and agricultural zones that are sufficiently well integrated are permit-free, and since 2026 so are sufficiently well integrated facade systems. They are notified to the commune where the building stands, at least 30 days before work starts. On cultural and natural monuments of cantonal or national importance, a building permit is always needed. We check beforehand which procedure applies to your building.

Subsidies and one-off payment

The federal government pays the one-off payment (Einmalvergütung) through Pronovo, graded by system size. We submit the application and, on request, pre-finance the subsidies. The canton’s 2026 energy subsidy programme does not support photovoltaic systems directly. It subsidises stationary battery storage of 10 kWh usable capacity or more with a one-off CHF 1,000, at most 25 percent of the investment, and the application must be submitted before installation starts. For depreciation in business assets, your tax adviser can advise you.

Self-consumption in your business

Electricity is comparatively expensive in the Canton of Schaffhausen. Every kilowatt-hour your business uses itself replaces grid power at the full tariff. We size the system to your load profile. With a battery storage unit you shift midday power into the evening and smooth out load peaks.