- Morocco has launched the Solar Rooftop 500 programme to deploy 500MW of rooftop solar across commercial and industrial facilities.
- The initiative marks the country’s first implementation of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement using carbon credit transfers to support clean energy deployment.
Morocco launched its Solar Rooftop 500 (SR500) programme on Wednesday. The initiative marks the country’s first operational use of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The programme targets the deployment of 500 megawatts of rooftop solar across industrial and commercial companies.
The launch event took place in Casablanca. It brought together about 300 participants from government, finance, international partners, and the solar industry. Africa Climate Solutions organised the event with support from Cluster ENR.
During the ceremony, Swiss Ambassador to Morocco Valentin Zellweger highlighted the programme’s importance. He said the 500 MW target matches the scale of major solar infrastructure already operating in Morocco. As a result, the programme strengthens Morocco’s clean energy transition.
The programme builds on climate cooperation between Morocco and Switzerland. Both countries established the partnership at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022. Through Article 6.2, Morocco can transfer verified carbon emission reductions, known as ITMOs, to Switzerland. At the same time, the system prevents double counting and ensures transparency.
SR500 focuses on private sector participation. Eligible companies can install rooftop or canopy solar systems of up to 3 MW per project. These systems must support self-consumption, with or without battery storage. However, projects cannot receive other subsidies or earn revenue from selling surplus electricity.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development confirmed government backing for the programme. Officials linked the rollout to updated regulations, including Law 82-21 on self-production. In addition, the government introduced renewable electricity certificates to improve traceability.
Participating companies will receive carbon revenue in two stages. First, they will receive 60% of estimated avoided emissions value after installation. Then, they will receive the remaining 40% through yearly payments based on verified emissions reductions until 2030.
Cluster ENR will provide technical support. The organisation will ensure quality standards for equipment and installation. In parallel, a monitoring, reporting, and verification system will track emissions savings. Independent auditors will validate results before carbon payments are released.
Africa Climate Solutions will manage project aggregation and carbon revenue distribution. The KliK Foundation will purchase carbon credits on behalf of the Swiss government. During the launch, both implementation partners signed a cooperation agreement.
The programme supports Morocco’s wider renewable energy strategy. The country aims to generate more than 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2030. Therefore, SR500 strengthens solar deployment alongside wind and hydropower expansion.
Economically, the programme could create around 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. Rooftop solar could also reduce electricity costs for participating companies by between 25% and 40%. Consequently, the initiative could improve industrial competitiveness.
Financially, the programme is backed by a $500 million funding package from a Swiss climate foundation. Moroccan banks will channel the funds to projects. In addition, carbon premiums could cover up to 25% of installation costs, which especially benefits small and medium enterprises.
Overall, SR500 supports Morocco’s push to reduce fossil fuel dependence. It also accelerates the country’s progress toward its 2030 energy transition targets.