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Solar Permit Bern: Notification Instead of Building Permit

A rooftop PV system in Canton Bern generally needs no building permit and is subject only to the notification procedure. The condition is that the installation is sufficiently adapted under federal law: it projects no more than 20 cm perpendicular to the roof surface, does not extend beyond the roof when viewed from above, is low-reflection per the state of the art and compactly arranged (Art. 32a RPV). A notification then suffices, submitted at least seven working days before construction starts via the cantonal eBau system to the host municipality (Art. 7a BewD). A building permit remains required for heritage sites of national importance and for so-called K-objects (Art. 18a para. 3 RPG, Art. 6 BewD). If there is doubt about permit exemption, the regional prefect decides (Art. 48 para. 2 lit. a BewD). The basis is the revised spatial planning legislation in force since 1 January 2026.

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Contents

Short answerDecision pointsSequenceChecklistFAQSources

Short answer

What you need to know first.

For owners, building principals and planners in Canton Bern who need to clarify before building a rooftop PV system whether the notification procedure suffices or a building permit is required.

Important

As of 2026: permit exemption applies only to sufficiently adapted installations. K-objects (protected and conservation-worthy monuments within a building group) and heritage sites of national importance always require a building permit; conservation-worthy objects without a building group only if the protection interest is affected. The notification procedure also does not release from environmental law and fire protection.

Decision points

What determines the right path.

Degree of adaptation: only a sufficiently adapted installation (max 20 cm clearance, no overhang viewed from above, low-reflection, compact per Art. 32a RPV) is permit-free and eligible for the notification procedure.

Heritage status of the property: K-objects (protected and conservation-worthy monuments within a building group) and heritage sites of national importance always require a building permit (Art. 18a para. 3 RPG, Art. 6 BewD).

Conservation-worthy objects without a building group: these are not K-objects; a permit is required only if the protection interest is affected (Art. 7 para. 2 BewD, case-by-case review).

Notification deadline: the notification must reach the host municipality via eBau at least seven working days before construction starts (Art. 7a BewD); too little lead time delays the build.

Substantive law still applies: even under the notification procedure, environmental law and fire protection must be observed; permit exemption does not release from these rules.

Responsible body: in the City of Bern the Building Inspectorate decides, the Office for Environment and Energy (AUE) advises at cantonal level; in case of doubt the regional prefect decides (Art. 48 para. 2 lit. a BewD).

Sequence

How the project stays cleanly managed.

  1. 1

    Check the installationdoes the planned rooftop system meet the Art. 32a RPV criteria (max 20 cm perpendicular clearance, no overhang beyond the roof viewed from above, low-reflection per state of the art, compact)? Only then is it sufficiently adapted.

  2. 2

    Clarify heritage statuscheck whether the property is listed as a K-object or heritage site of national importance in the building inventory; in those cases a building permit is required instead of a notification.

  3. 3

    Pre-clarify in case of doubtif permit exemption is unclear, arrange a preliminary discussion with the heritage office (City of Bern), or the regional prefect decides (Art. 48 para. 2 lit. a BewD).

  4. 4

    Prepare documentsthe notification is created by the building principal or planner via eBau (portal.ebau.apps.be.ch) addressed to the host municipality.

  5. 5

    Meet the deadlinesubmit the notification via eBau at least seven working days before construction starts (Art. 7a BewD).

  6. 6

    Await the decisionthe municipality assesses the installation against the requirements applicable in the notification procedure and communicates the decision via eBau.

  7. 7

    Handle grid connection separatelyarrange the connection with the grid operator (BKW, or Energie Wasser Bern ewb in the City of Bern); this is independent of the notification/permit procedure.

Checklist

Questions to settle before the quote.

  • eBau notification: seven working days before construction
  • Sufficiently adapted: 20 cm clearance, low-reflection, compact
  • Exceptions: K-objects and heritage sites of national importance

FAQ

Common questions on this topic.

Sources

Official sources & references.

The responsible authorities are decisive. Always verify binding details – amounts, deadlines and conditions – for your specific property against the current status of the respective authority.

Continue

Relevant pages for the next step.

For Bern, you'll find matching services, regional projects and related guides that take you forward in practical terms.

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