In line with this ruling, solar panel investments should not increase the official value of a property, according to the Financial Directorate for the Canton of Bern in a press release.

So far, the tax authorities in the canton of Bern have considered solar systems on roofs as part of the property and taxed them as immovable property. This affects, among others, the official sale and rental values of properties.

In its rulings, the Federal Supreme Court did not protect this tax administration practice. The judgments of the Federal Court raise a number of questions, which the tax administration is now taking a closer look at. Further details will be given in due course. "Assessments for all private individuals affected are checked by the tax office, so individuals subject to tax don’t have to take any action," the authority said.

According to a press release, as part of two judgments on 24 April 2017, the Berne Administrative Court ruled that rooftop installations are not part of the property. As a result, the tax authorities notified these two judgments to the Federal Court.

Based on AvS/Anita Moser
Translated by Justine Hewson