The use of photovoltaics (PV) is becoming more and more a norm. We are also seeing more and more types of applications such as integrated roof systems, roof tiles or balcony applications. On a political level, the pace is being pushed: On August 23, 2024, the Zurich government decided to introduce a solar obligation for roofs over 300 m2. In the current energy industry, PV systems are a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, but there are challenges in the area of efficient use, financing and long-term sustainability. A root problem in the solar industry is that PV systems are often not used optimally and their lifespan is not sufficiently extended, which leads to unnecessary waste of resources and higher CO2 emissions. The lifespan of panels is up to 40 years, but feed-in contracts are usually only concluded for over 20 years (Bechara Nehm, 2021). They are then normally dismantled and recycled. This is unnecessary and not climate-friendly.
Another problem is that the initial investment is often too high for many and the process is too complicated. The last pointin particular repeatedly stands in the way of the formation of private “associations for self-consumption (ZEV),” as defined in the new electricity law. These are of crucial importance for climate-friendly living, especially in urban areas such as Zurich, as experience has shown that they lead to particularly high self-consumption rates. However, this conflicts with the degrading efficiency of the panels. We also want to remedy this with our model, as described in the next question.
The new Energy Act also provides for a solar obligation for roof areas over 300 m2 (Art. 45a, Federal Act on a secure supply of electricity with renewable energies). A very laudable regulation, but its meaningful implementation requires new business models. We would like to develop one.