Are large roofs the power plants of the future?

From 2025, the Netherlands wants to make solar panels mandatory on large company rooftops. In other words, solar panels must be installed on all new buildings with a surface area of 250 m2 or more. In doing so, the government wants to remove the main obstacles to solar energy on large rooftops as quickly as possible. This obligation alone would generate an additional 1,000 GWh of sustainable energy annually. Are large roofs the power plants of the future?

Based on data from Zonnedakje it has been calculated that from 2000 onwards, an average of:

  • 10.84 km2 of surface area will be added to large roofs
  • 9.62 km2 of new surface area has sufficient irradiation for solar energy
  • 0.9 TWh extra can be generated on these large roofs

In the most favorable case, a total of 4.5 TWh can be generated by solar energy on large roofs in 2025. What is the impact of the new legislation? In the most favorable case, a total of 4.5 TWh can be generated by solar energy on large roofs in 2025. What is the impact of the new legislation? The calculation shows that in 2030 there will be 48 km2 of large roofs suitable for the generation of solar energy. This has a maximum potential of 4.5 TWh annual generation. This is a nice contribution to the ambitious goals of the DutchNP RES (National Program Regional Energy Strategies). It has set the goal of generating 35 TWh of renewable electricity on land by 2030.

Yes, large roofs may be the power plants of the future! Will we manage to expand the electricity grid to the point where this can be realized? All new buildings will be delivered solar-prepared starting in 2025, so then it can still be realized at a later date. Want more insights into the potential of rooftops for solar power? Contact Otto at o.fabius@sobolt.com.

Solar panels on Kronenburg shopping center in Arnhem

1 Source: Letter to Dutch parliament about the role of solar energy in energy transition

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