Morocco and Switzerland Launch “Solar Rooftop 500” Program: 500 MW of Rooftop Solar Power by 2030 with Swiss Funding
The Kingdom of Morocco and the Swiss Confederation announced on, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the launch of an ambitious collaborative program called Solar Rooftop 500. This program aims to install photovoltaic solar energy systems on the rooftops of commercial, industrial, and service buildings in Morocco, with a total capacity of 500 MW by 2030.
This program is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region to be implemented under Article 6.2 of the Paris Climate Agreement, which allows developed countries to finance emissions reduction projects in developing countries, with the reductions counting towards their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Program Details and Funding Mechanism
Duration: Five years (2026-2030)
Target Capacity: 500 MW of rooftop solar power
Targeted sectors: Commercial, industrial, and tertiary buildings (hotels, hospitals, shopping centers, and administrative buildings).
Financing: The total cost is estimated at approximately US$500 million, fully funded by Switzerland through international climate finance mechanisms.
Operation: The carbon dioxide reductions resulting from the project will be counted towards Switzerland's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while Morocco receives the full investment and economic and environmental benefits without incurring any direct financial costs.
Strategic objectives for Morocco:
The program represents a golden opportunity to expand the distributed solar energy market in Morocco, focusing on:
- Building a sustainable rooftop solar market in the private sector.
- Reducing reliance on the traditional electricity grid and lowering energy bills for businesses.
- Enhancing energy independence and achieving Morocco's goal of reaching 52% renewable energy by 2030.
- Consolidating Morocco's position as a regional and global leader in combating climate change, especially after the success of mega-projects such as Noor Ouarzazate and Noor Meknes.
An Inspiring Model for Developing Countries
The Solar Rooftop 500 program is seen as a pioneering model that can be replicated in other countries seeking to access international climate finance without incurring significant financial burdens. It transforms unused rooftops into measurable and tradable sources of clean energy in carbon markets, opening new avenues for innovative financing in developing countries.
Strengthening International Cooperation in Clean Energy
The program represents a significant step forward in the Moroccan-Swiss partnership in renewable energy and climate, reinforcing Morocco's role as a regional hub for clean energy innovation. It also reflects Switzerland's commitment to supporting developing countries in achieving their climate goals, in line with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
In conclusion, the Solar Rooftop 500 program is a successful model of South-North cooperation in addressing climate change, combining international financing with national ambition to achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.
