Background
#Ground-mounted PV in Fribourg is a realistic option in a building zone for undeveloped land, car parks and slopes when the site, procedure and grid connection fit together.
The Fribourg information sheet of 14 July 2026 uses areas ideally larger than 1,000 m² as a planning reference and describes a simplified procedure. For large systems without self-consumption, the Pronovo RU can cover up to 60% of investment costs; a site outside the building zone is instead governed by Art. 16a and 22 et seq. RPG and Art. 34 et seq. RPV. This guide shows which checks the site municipality, Pronovo and technical planning require before an order is placed.
What applies in the canton of Freiburg
#The zoning classification is the first decision. The Fribourg information sheet addresses undeveloped or partly open land in a building zone; areas above 1,000 m² are an ideal planning size, not a general statutory minimum. Outside the building zone, Art. 16a and 22 et seq. RPG and Art. 34 et seq. RPV apply, with a different procedure.
The use of the land changes the project logic. Under the Fribourg information sheet, surfaces above or beside car parks with at least 15 spaces are considered compliant with the zone; on slopes, the natural inclination must be reflected in the structure and access design. An open plot, a solar carport and a slope system are therefore not the same standard solution.
System type and orientation affect ground coverage and yield. The information sheet from the Fribourg Service de l’énergie distinguishes, among other options, one- or two-orientation tables, vertical bifacial modules, carports and slope-adapted systems. The choice determines whether farming between rows, vehicle use under the roof or stronger winter production remains possible.
The funding logic depends on the project model. For large systems without self-consumption, the Fribourg information sheet states that the one-time remuneration (RU) can cover up to 60% of investment costs; a tilt-angle bonus from 75° and a car-park bonus may also apply. These figures are not a blanket promise for every site and must be calculated through Pronovo.
The electricity-use model must be decided before sizing. The reference market price for injected electricity is set quarterly; self-consumption, an RCP, a battery, a PPA, a local electricity community or contracting create different load and revenue profiles. From 150 kW, a floating market premium may also be relevant as a model.
The municipality and specialist services determine site-specific feasibility. The site municipality is the first point for clarifying the simplified procedure; a formal permit file is handled through FRIAC in the Canton of Fribourg. Depending on the site, SeCA, SFN, SEn, SPC or Grangeneuve may also be relevant; these services are represented in the Fribourg working group for ground-mounted PV.
The process in six steps
#Tick off for your project
Establish the plot and zone
compile the land register, zoning plan, ownership and current use. Describe car parks, slopes and open building-zone land separately; the information sheet’s reference to areas ideally above 1,000 m² is a planning guide, not an automatic building permit.
Develop the system concept
select table mounting, vertical bifacial modules, a solar carport or a slope-adapted structure based on area, orientation, ground coverage, agriculture, access and removal. For car parks from 15 spaces, document the zoning classification stated in the Fribourg information sheet.
Clarify the procedure with the site municipality
the Fribourg information sheet describes a simplified procedure for ground-mounted PV in a building zone. Before ordering, the municipality must confirm which plans, elevations, site information and evidence apply to the specific plot; a formal application is entered through FRIAC.
Check technology and grid connection in parallel
combine the layout, inverter, cable route, transformer point, connection capacity, protection concept, access and removal plan. For self-consumption, an RCP, battery, PPA or local electricity community, align the load and metering concept with the responsible grid operator and, where needed, the Fribourg Service de l’énergie.
Calculate funding and revenue
check the Pronovo RU, the tilt-angle bonus from 75°, the car-park bonus and, for systems from 150 kW, the floating market premium. According to the information sheet, the RU of up to 60% applies to large systems without self-consumption; the actual entitlement depends on the project model and Pronovo’s decision.
Synchronize the file, decision and execution
bring the site plan, module and structural drawings, site and access information, grid documents, proof of ownership and the technical and economic option to the same project status. The formal application runs through FRIAC; only after the decision required by the municipality and procedure should ordering, installation, commissioning and Pronovo evidence be scheduled.
Checked for your roof, not just read up on
Once the framing is clear, a property-specific check with roof, grid and documentation is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
#Sources
#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.