At the end of 2025, the Canton of Schaffhausen had around 87 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity across around 3,344 systems – ranking 16th out of 26 cantons per capita. The notification procedure is free of charge and is carried out directly with the municipality using a form in duplicate; a special municipal list applies to objects in ISOS townscapes. (As of: SFOE installation register data August 2026, Swissolar annual figures 2025)
Key points in brief
- 87 MW installed capacity, around 3,344 systems (register status August 2026).
- Per capita around 966 watts per inhabitant – rank 16 out of 26.
- Average system size: 26.0 kWp, close to the Swiss average of 26.1 kWp.
- Notification procedure: free of charge, form in duplicate directly to the municipality, 30-day notice period; additional manual notification to the valuation office.
How much photovoltaics is installed in the Canton of Schaffhausen?
According to the SFOE installation register (as of August 2026), the Canton of Schaffhausen has around 87 MW of installed capacity across around 3,344 systems. With around 966 watts per inhabitant, Schaffhausen ranks 16th out of 26 cantons in per capita density – in the lower middle of Switzerland.
| Metric | Value (Canton of Schaffhausen) | Switzerland overall (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed capacity | 87.0 MW | 8,635 MW (register) / 9,498.6 MW (Swissolar) |
| Number of systems | 3’344 | 331,271 (register) / 338,270 (Swissolar) |
| Per-capita capacity | 966 W/inhabitant | 946 W/resident (Swiss average) |
| Per-capita density rank | 16 out of 26 | — |
| Average system size | 26.0 kWp | 26.1 kWp |
| Roof-integrated share | 5,8 % | 12,7 % |
Source: SFOE plant register (register status August 2026); national comparison values from Swissolar's «Solar energy statistics 2025».
What are the procedural rules in the Canton of Schaffhausen?
In Schaffhausen, the notification procedure runs directly through the municipality, with a notification form in duplicate and free of charge (Art. 54 BauG), with a notice period of 30 days. A special feature applies to objects in townscapes of national importance (ISOS): a cantonal guideline (as of December 2025) maintains a special municipal list for these. In addition to the municipal notification, a manual notification to the valuation office is required.
What stands out about the proportion of in-roof systems?
At 5.8%, Schaffhausen is significantly below the Swiss in-roof proportion of 12.7% and thus closer to the neighbouring cantons of Thurgau (5.6%) and Zurich (11.6%) than to the Alpine cantons with a high in-roof proportion. This suggests that regional building traditions in the Swiss Plateau generally tend to favour on-roof solutions more than in more Alpine regions.
We receive enquiries from the Canton of Schaffhausen less frequently than from the core area of Zurich – when they do occur, the additional notification to the valuation office is a step that is often overlooked in planning because it is not part of the actual building notification.
Frequently asked questions
Does the notification procedure in Schaffhausen cost anything?
No, it is free of charge according to Art. 54 BauG. The form is submitted in duplicate directly to the municipality.
Do I have to inform another office in addition to the municipality?
Yes, a manual notification to the valuation office is required – a separate step alongside the actual municipal notification.
Are there restrictions for listed or historic townscapes?
For objects in ISOS townscapes of national importance, a cantonal guideline (as of December 2025) maintains a special municipal list with additional requirements.
How current are these figures?
Structural data as of August 2026 (SFOE register), national comparison values from Swissolar's 2025 annual statistics.
Planning a solar system in the Canton of Schaffhausen?
We support the notification including the additional steps such as the notification to the valuation office.
Sources: SFOE installation register (register status August 2026), Swissolar «Statistik Sonnenenergie 2025», cantonal guideline Schaffhausen (as of December 2025).
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Contact for questions on methodology: ecoEn editorial team
