When Switzerland talks about the heating transition, one abbreviation comes up constantly: MuKEn. It stands for Mustervorschriften der Kantone im Energiebereich — the Model Regulations of the Cantons in the Energy Sector. These rules determine which heating systems are allowed in new builds and renovations. With MuKEn 2025, the standards have become stricter. This article explains what has changed, which cantons are already implementing the new rules, and what it means for homeowners with infrared heating.
What is MuKEn — in plain English
MuKEn is developed by the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK) — an association of the energy directors from all 26 Swiss cantons. Their goal: create consistent minimum standards for building energy use across the country.
The crucial point: MuKEn is not federal law. It's a template — a model. Each canton decides for itself whether and when to adopt MuKEn into its own cantonal energy law. This means the rules can differ from canton to canton, both in content and in timing.
In short: MuKEn is like a blueprint. The EnDK writes it, but each canton builds its own law from it. That's why there's no single nationwide date when everything takes effect simultaneously.
From MuKEn 2008 to MuKEn 2025: The evolution
MuKEn has gone through three generations, each pushing harder toward energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings.
| Version | Key points | Adoption status |
|---|---|---|
| MuKEn 2008 | First comprehensive model regulations. Focus on thermal insulation and maximum energy consumption per square metre (energy certificate). No clear requirements for heating system type. | Adopted by nearly all cantons. |
| MuKEn 2014 | Introduction of the base module: when replacing a heating system, at least 10% renewable energy must be used. Stricter building envelope requirements. First restrictions on central electric heaters. More on MuKEn 2014 and boiler replacement. | About 18 of 26 cantons have fully or partially adopted MuKEn 2014. |
| MuKEn 2025 | Tightening: fossil heating systems must be replaced with renewables. Fixed electric resistance heaters (incl. infrared panels) only permitted with the solar exception. Stricter building envelope requirements and GEAK integration. | First cantons in the legislative process. Rollout expected through 2028–2032. |
MuKEn 2025: The key changes for heating systems
MuKEn 2025 is the strictest version yet. Three changes matter most for homeowners planning or replacing a heating system:
1. Fossil heating systems must be phased out at replacement
When an existing oil or gas boiler is replaced, most cantons no longer allow a new fossil system. Alternatives include heat pumps, district heating, wood-burning systems, or combinations with renewable energy. This aligns with the Climate Protection Act (KIG).
2. Electric resistance heaters: only with the solar exception
Fixed electric resistance heaters — including conventional radiators, storage heaters and infrared panels — may only be installed if a photovoltaic system covers the heating's electricity demand. The rule: the PV system must generate at least as much electricity per year as the heater consumes, plus a 10% safety buffer.
What does this mean for infrared heating? An infrared panel combined with an adequately sized PV system remains fully permitted under MuKEn 2025. It's not about the technology — it's about the electricity source. More: Solar + infrared heating: the perfect PV combination.
3. Stricter building envelope requirements
MuKEn 2025 demands better insulation values for new builds and major renovations. The better the building envelope, the less heating energy is needed — and the smaller the PV system required for the solar exception. A well-insulated home and infrared heating with PV complement each other particularly well.
Cantonal adoption status: who is implementing MuKEn 2025?
MuKEn is only a model. What matters is what your own canton does with it. As of June 2026:
| Canton | MuKEn 2014 | MuKEn 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Adopted | In progress | New energy law in consultation, expected to take effect in 2027. |
| Bern | Adopted | In progress | Draft published. Ban on decentralised electric heaters with transition period. |
| Basel-City | Adopted | In progress | Energy law revision underway. Strictest deadlines expected. |
| Lucerne | Adopted | Pending | MuKEn 2014 in force since 2020. MuKEn 2025 process not yet started. |
| Graubünden | Partial | Pending | Has its own regulations. High share of holiday homes with electric heating. |
| Valais | Not adopted | Pending | Rejected MuKEn 2014 in a popular vote. Special position. |
Note: Adoption status changes frequently. This table shows the situation as of June 2026 and is not exhaustive. For binding information, contact your cantonal energy office. A list of all cantonal energy offices is available on the EnDK website.
The solar exception: how it works in practice
The solar exception is the most important part of MuKEn 2025 for infrared heating owners. Here's how it works:
- Step 1: Calculate heating consumption. How many kWh does your infrared heater use per year? Example: a SunWave Ceramica panel (350 W) in a well-insulated 25 m² room, approximately 6 hours per day over 180 heating days = about 378 kWh/year.
- Step 2: Add the buffer. 378 kWh × 1.10 = approximately 416 kWh/year.
- Step 3: Size the PV system. In Switzerland, 1 kWp of photovoltaics produces roughly 900–1,100 kWh/year depending on location and orientation. For 416 kWh, you need about 0.4–0.5 kWp — that's roughly 1–2 standard solar modules.
With multiple panels or larger rooms, the requirement scales up. But the principle holds: infrared heating requires relatively little electricity because it targets individual rooms (zone heating) rather than heating the entire house through a central system.
Practical tip: If you're planning a PV system or already have one, you may meet the solar exception automatically — even if your PV was originally sized just for household self-consumption. Have a GEAK expert or solar installer confirm the calculation for you.
What MuKEn 2025 means for existing heating systems
A common concern: do I have to replace my existing heater immediately? The short answer: no. MuKEn 2025 primarily affects new installations and replacements. Existing, functioning heating systems enjoy grandfathering protection in most cantons — often with transition periods of 10 to 15 years.
This means: if you currently own an electric storage heater, you don't need to replace it tomorrow. But when it reaches the end of its life, the replacement must comply with your cantonal energy law. Planning ahead lets you secure the solar exception and replace an old storage heater with a modern infrared panel plus PV.
Important: "Grandfathering" doesn't mean "forever". Cantonal deadlines for replacing existing electric and fossil heating systems range from 2028 to 2035, depending on the canton. Plan early. More: Electric heating ban Switzerland: what applies 2025–2030.
MuKEn, energy law, KIG: how it all connects
Swiss energy policy for buildings operates on several levels. Here's how they fit together:
- Climate Protection Act (KIG): Federal law, in force since 2025. Sets the net-zero-by-2050 target and a funding programme for heating replacement. Detailed article on the KIG.
- MuKEn 2025: Model regulations by the EnDK. Define technical standards for buildings and heating systems. Not directly binding, but the template for cantons.
- Cantonal energy law: The actual law that applies in your canton. Based on MuKEn, but can be stricter or more lenient.
- GEAK (building energy certificate): An assessment tool showing a building's energy status. Increasingly required at sale, renovation or heating replacement.
Bottom line: MuKEn 2025 tightens the rules for heating systems in Swiss buildings — but it does not ban infrared heating. The solar exception makes PV-coupled infrared panels a compliant, future-proof solution. Planning early puts you on the safe side.
Frequently asked questions
What is MuKEn?
MuKEn stands for Mustervorschriften der Kantone im Energiebereich — the Model Regulations of the Cantons in the Energy Sector. It is a framework developed by the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK). MuKEn is not directly binding law — it serves as a template that each canton adopts into its own energy legislation. The goal is a consistent baseline for building energy standards across Switzerland.
What is new in MuKEn 2025 compared to MuKEn 2014?
MuKEn 2025 tightens requirements for fossil heating systems and for fixed electric resistance heaters. For the first time, it defines an explicit solar exception: electric heaters like infrared panels remain permitted if a photovoltaic system generates at least the heating consumption plus a 10% buffer. It also raises building envelope standards and expands GEAK (building energy certificate) requirements.
Are infrared heaters banned under MuKEn 2025?
No. MuKEn 2025 restricts fixed electric resistance heaters that run exclusively on grid electricity. Infrared heaters paired with an adequately sized photovoltaic system (solar exception) remain expressly permitted. The exact conditions depend on your cantonal energy law.
When does MuKEn 2025 take effect in my canton?
MuKEn 2025 was adopted by the EnDK, but implementation happens at cantonal level. Cantons like Zurich, Basel-City and Bern have already revised or are revising their energy laws. Others are further behind — some have not even fully implemented MuKEn 2014. Check with your cantonal energy office for the current status.
What does the solar exception mean in practice?
The solar exception states that a fixed electric heater — including an infrared panel — is considered compliant if the associated photovoltaic system generates at least as much electricity per year as the heater consumes, plus a 10% safety buffer. The PV system must be installed on the same property.
Do I need a GEAK for my heating system?
The GEAK (Gebäudeenergieausweis der Kantone) is a building energy certificate that rates a building's energy efficiency. Depending on your canton, a GEAK may be required when replacing a heating system or carrying out renovations. It is not a heating ban — it shows your building's energy status and potential improvements. Ask your municipality or cantonal energy office.
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