Germany Introduces Solar Requirements For Buildings And Covered Parking Areas

Germany is introducing nationwide requirements for solar installations on buildings, with the first obligations taking effect on January 1, 2027. The new rules form part of Germany's recently adopted Building Modernization Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz, “GModG”) and implement requirements under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1275, “EPBD”).

While several German states already impose solar requirements, the new Section 106 GModG establishes a federal framework that will gradually extend to different categories of buildings between 2027 and 2031.

A Phased Rollout Starting in 2027

The new requirements will apply in several stages:

• January 1, 2027: New public non-residential buildings and new non-residential buildings with more than 250 square meters of usable floor area must be equipped with solar installations.