In Ettenheim, it should now be easier to generate solar energy on the roofs of the old town. The climate and energy crisis has heralded a rethink

In Ettenheim (Baden-Württemberg, administrative district of Freiburg), it should now be easier to generate solar energy on the roofs of the old town. The climate and energy crisis has prompted a rethink

Ettenheim in the administrative district of Freiburg is rightly proud of its historic old town. The “baroque town with charm”, located on the Baden Wine Route, has therefore understandably attached great importance to strict ensemble protection and the rejection of solar installations in the old town. In view of the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine on the one hand and new possibilities for the color design of photovoltaic modules on the other, a rethink is now underway. The old town statutes of Ettenheim are therefore to be amended following a decision by the building, environment and technology committee. In future, it should be easier for residents of the listed old town to install photovoltaic and solar thermal systems on their roofs.

Solar roof tiles in the color of the roof tiles

“We have a beautiful old town, Mayor Bruno Metz emphasized at first. “That brings with it restrictions when it comes to using renewable energies. I never liked that.” Now the administration has tried to exhaust all possibilities in consultation with the heritage office to enable the construction of photovoltaic systems. He is confident that a good solution will be found with the amended statutes. “The municipal council and we as the administration want the residents of the old town to be able to use as much renewable energy as possible on their property, especially by harnessing the power of the sun, via photovoltaic systems or thermal systems, despite the special requirements of monument protection in the protected ensemble,” says Mayor Bruno Metz, explaining the motives.

Visibility of installations

Head of the building authority Markus Schoor explained the planned changes to the statutes. The most important point is the so-called visibility of installations. Until now, if photovoltaic systems could be seen from certain points in the old town and from vantage points, they could not be installed. This point of distant views has been removed. In future, installations will only be considered visible if they can be seen from certain streets and points in the old town at a glance. And even then, it is not completely forbidden to erect them – solar roof tiles in the same color as the roof tiles must be used. A limit on the size of the systems was also removed from the statutes. Schoor explains: “It would be a fallacy to say that everything should be allowed. If the bylaws do not meet the requirements of the heritage office, the installations would not be approved. That’s why we are so transparent and allow in the bylaws what the heritage office would go along with”. The statutes are intended to provide planning security. One topic was the cost of brick-colored PV modules. According to Schoor, these are still up to three times more expensive than conventional ones. However, he is sure that manufacturers will react to the fact that old town statutes are being relaxed throughout Germany. Metz emphasized that solar tiles do not have to be used on most surfaces. He went on to emphasize: “We are now making significantly more possible than was previously the case.” The city was asked to increase the subsidy for additional monument preservation costs incurred by the installation of solar tiles from 50 to 100 percent.

The changes at a glance:

• Photovoltaic systems or solar thermal systems are permitted on roofs as well as roof-independent installations such as on facades, on balconies or in gardens under certain conditions, provided they are not visible. Exceptions to this are particularly characteristic cultural monuments in the old town
• Heat pumps, ventilation systems, air conditioning units and similar installations are permitted in areas of the old town that cannot be seen
• While windows must be made of wood, weather protection sashes made of aluminum are permitted
• Solar roof tiles are permitted if they are matt and the rest of the roof surface is completely covered with tiles of the same color

In order to obtain a broad range of opinions, the administration consulted the local population in advance, asked for the opinions of residents of the old town, incorporated the expertise of the climate manager and monument conservationists and coordinated with the regional council. In order to enable residents of the old town to use renewable energy in the future, the municipal council unanimously amended the old town bylaws on November 24, 2022. The bylaws will now be published.

Watch the video for a view from above of the small town near the Black Forest:

Interested in the latest competition results in landscape architecture, but hardly have time to look at them properly? In the G+L competition overview, Heike Vossen provides monthly updates on the most exciting competition results. Domplatz Goslar, nsp christoph schonhoff landschaftsarchitekten stadtplaner, Hanover From stone square to collegiate garden: the imperial palace in Goslar is no longer to be surrounded by outdated functional buildings and parking lots, […].

Interested in the latest competition results in landscape architecture, but hardly have time to look at them properly? In the G+L competition overview, Heike Vossen provides monthly updates on the most exciting competition results.

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