Switzerland dropping behind in solar stakes

Switzerland is failing to make the most of the sun's power as a renewable energy source Keystone Archive

Solar energy usage is stagnating in Switzerland according to the Swiss solar energy association (SOFAS), while other industrialised countries are looking more and more towards the sun for power.

Only 51,000 square metres of solar panels were sold last year, registering no gains compared with 1999.

From 1993 to 1997, solar installation output increased one megawatt per year. And more recently, that figure doubled thanks to federal subsidies from the government’s Energy 2000 action programme.

Last year’s lack of enthusiasm is blamed on a new energy law. It is now the cantons’ responsibility to encourage the use of renewable energy.

According to SOFAS, few cantons have bothered to support the installation of solar panels, which is why sales have stalled. “A market slowdown was unavoidable”, said Markus Heimlicher, president of the association, on Monday.

Switzerland’s record could become even worse compared with other countries.

“Our energy policy is at a crossroads”, says Yves Christen, president of Swissolar, a solar power lobby group.

“If we are to respect our constitutional duty to protect the environment and promote renewable energy, then the SFr55 million ($31 million) set aside for that purpose in the [new federal] SwissEnergy programme is totally insufficient.”

Christen, a Radical parliamentarian, has tabled a motion which calls for SFr100 million in extra subsidies for renewable energy over the next four years. This is the only way for Switzerland to keep up with neighbouring countries, which are investing massively in renewable energy sources according to the politician.

Only 790,000 square metres of panels are installed in Switzerland, just over half of what Energy 2000 called for. Output is only one third of the 50 megawatts planned for by the programme.

Renewable energy sources such as the sun and the wind represent less than one per cent of the total Swiss power output in 1999. Nearly 60 per cent of Switzerland’s electricity production comes from water power.

swissinfo with agencies