In-roof solar in the Canton of Appenzell InnerrhodenMind townscape protection

Solar roofs in historic core zones and protected townscapes

In the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, sufficiently well-adapted solar systems on roofs in building zones and agricultural zones only need a notification. All other systems need a permit. This includes systems that are not on the roof or not sufficiently well adapted, as well as systems on protected buildings and in protection zones such as townscape and landscape protection. We did not find a separate cantonal in-roof rule. For a house within a townscape, we therefore clarify before the quote which category it falls into and discuss the design with the responsible office.

Subsidies

For integrated systems, the federal government pays a higher one-off payment (Einmalvergütung, EIV) through Pronovo than for add-on systems. We did not find direct cantonal contributions for photovoltaic systems on the canton’s subsidy page. It lists the Impulsberatung Solarenergie (solar energy advice session), which costs you CHF 100 and is free if combined with the Impulsberatung for renewable heating. Applications for cantonal subsidies must be submitted before construction starts. We check at the quote stage whether your commune or energy supplier contributes anything.

Plan the roof renovation and solar roof together

Around 65% of residential buildings date from before 1980. When a new roof covering is due, we compare in-roof and on-roof options side by side at the site visit. We check the condition, structure and shading of the roof. In the Alpine foothills, snow load and snow guards are added to this. With in-roof systems the modules form the roof covering, so we coordinate underlay, connections and schedule with the roofer and plumber before the order is placed. About a third of the residential buildings in the canton already have a heat pump. If you renew roof and heating together, you use the electricity from the modules directly for it.