Morocco and Switzerland are set to move forward with a major climate cooperation initiative as the Solar Rooftop 500 program prepares to enter its implementation phase in January 2026. According to Moroccan outlet L’Economiste, the program follows its official launch on December 12 by the two governments and is now awaiting the completion of final technical arrangements between the program manager and local banking partners that will distribute the financing.
Known as SR500, the initiative represents a first for Morocco under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate through the transfer of emissions reductions. Under this mechanism, Switzerland will finance the deployment of rooftop solar systems in Morocco, while the resulting greenhouse gas emission reductions will be counted toward Switzerland’s nationally determined contribution. With this authorization, Morocco becomes the third country globally, the second in Africa, and the first in the MENA region to implement a project under Article 6.2, strengthening its position as a leading climate performer.
The program aims to deploy 500 megawatts of rooftop solar photovoltaic capacity across Morocco’s commercial and industrial sectors by 2030. Each installation will have a capacity of less than three megawatts and will be connected to the national grid. All systems will be installed exclusively on building rooftops. Once fully implemented, the program is expected to result in hundreds of individual projects across the country, creating a decentralized yet standardized rooftop solar market.
Beyond emissions reductions, SR500 is expected to deliver notable economic benefits. According to L’Economiste, the program could generate around 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, mainly in installation and maintenance activities. Rooftop solar generation is projected to reduce electricity bills by 25 to 40 percent for participating companies, helping lower operating costs and improve productivity and profitability. These savings are also expected to enhance companies’ ability to invest, particularly in energy-intensive industrial activities.
The financial structure of the program is built around a $500 million envelope, equivalent to around MAD 5 billion, provided by Fondation KliK, the Swiss climate foundation. These funds will be channeled through Moroccan banks, which will finance eligible companies. A carbon premium linked to the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions may cover up to 25 percent of installation costs, improving project affordability, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Eligibility conditions require that installations be new, rooftop-based, grid-connected, and below the three-megawatt limit. Companies must own the systems, receive no other financial incentives for the same installations, and agree to transfer emissions reductions to the SR500 program. All projects must also meet strict technical standards and monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements. The program is structured and managed by AfricaClimate Solutions and aligns closely with Morocco’s national energy strategy, which targets more than 52 percent renewable energy capacity 2030.
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