Israel mandates solar panels on roofs of new large buildings, targets 3.5 GW by 2040 – pv magazine International

Israel’s National Planning and Building Council has approved regulations requiring new buildings to install photovoltaic systems on their roofs, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The regulations apply to all new non-residential buildings with a roof area of ​​more than 250 square meters and detached residential buildings with a roof area of ​​more than 100 square meters.

“We estimate that this historic legislation will lead to the installation of tens of thousands of additional renewable energy facilities, with a total installed capacity of up to 3,500 megawatts by 2040,” the ministry said.

The regulatory documents state that detached residential homes must install PV systems with a minimum capacity of 5 kW. New non-residential buildings under 42 meters must install PV capacity equal to half the roof area divided by 10. However, non-residential buildings can opt for smaller systems if they qualify for another regulatory program designed to speed up installation.

“The regulations include exceptions where they will not apply — for example, sheds or extensions to existing buildings,” the statement said. “They also give city engineers the authority to exempt buildings from installing a photovoltaic system in cases where the building is of exceptional architectural value or where the roof is earmarked for future construction and installing the system would make it difficult to implement that plan.”

Once the National Planning and Construction Council approves the terms, Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel will sign the regulations to make them official.

“This initiative will save residents money, enable them to use electricity in emergencies, increase Israel’s energy independence and reduce air pollution,” said Energy Minister Eli Cohen.