Solar energy will become the new norm for construction or renovation projects in Berlin starting in 2023. This was decided in mid-June after a vote by the Berlin Senate's Economics and Energy Committee. The goal of the program is for 30 percent of roofs in Berlin to contain solar panel installations and to stop carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 37,000 tons annually within the first five years, according to an article by the organization Solar Power Europe.
It is part of Berlin's "Solar City" initiative with the goal of achieving a capacity of 4.4 gigawatts of solar energy, which accounts for a quarter of the city's energy needs. The original plan was for the goal to be achieved by 2050, but today the senate believes that the goals should be achieved "as soon as possible".
"Berlin shows the right ambitions"
Within the framework of the new program, solar energy production is expected to increase fortyfold compared to today.
– Berlin is showing the right kind of climate ambitions by voting through something that ensures that new and renovated buildings contain solar cells. It is a powerful tool for leading to less carbon dioxide emissions from constructions, and we see more and more examples of more and more, both regionally and locally, moving towards making solar cell roofs mandatory to contribute to less carbon dioxide emissions, says Miguel Herrero at Solar Power Europe.
