Federal State Overview Germany: PV and Green Roof Regulations
- Martin Schmal
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
In some German states, solar installations are mandatory; in others, green roofs are required—or even both in combination. SOLYCO provides a compact overview of the current legal regulations across Germany.
Baden-Württemberg: Solar obligation for new builds and roof renovations. Green roof obligation possible. Combination allowed; PV coverage can be reduced when a green roof is mandatory.
Bavaria: Solar obligation for commercial buildings. Green roofs may be required via local development plans. Technical combination possible, legal handling is flexible.
Berlin: Solar and green roof obligations for new buildings. Combination recommended. Green roof requirement waived where PV panels are installed.
Brandenburg: Solar obligation from 2024. Local green roof requirements possible. Combination recommended; exemptions possible in case of conflict.
Bremen: Obligations for both PV and green roofs. Legally defined combination ("solar green roof") with clear area requirements.
Hamburg: Obligations for both PV and green roofs from 2027. At least 30% PV + 70% greening on flat roofs. Combination mandatory.
Hesse: No statewide obligations, but municipal green roof regulations may apply. Voluntary combination possible.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: No obligation for PV or green roofs. Combination optional.
Lower Saxony: Solar obligation from 2025. No statewide green roof mandate. Combination possible; exemptions allowed in case of conflict.
North Rhine-Westphalia: Solar obligation from 2024/25. Green roofs required if no ground-level green space is available. Combination preferred.
Rhineland-Palatinate: Solar obligation for commercial/public buildings. Local green roof requirements possible. Combination to be implemented “to the greatest extent possible” by law.
Saarland: Solar obligation planned. No green roof obligation. Combination to be assessed in the future.
Saxony: No PV or green roof obligations. Combination technically and legally feasible.
Saxony-Anhalt: No mandatory requirements. Combination is voluntary.
Schleswig-Holstein: Solar obligation from 2025. Green roofs are voluntary. Combination recommended; exemptions allowed in case of conflict.
Thuringia: No obligation for PV or green roofs. Combination permitted.
