Feb 4, 2025
Israel encourages the public to install solar panels on rooftops to generate electricity.
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Israel is seeking assistance from its citizens to produce electricity and benefit financially as the demand escalates, encouraging them to install solar panels on their rooftops to harness sunlight as a vital natural resource.
Renewable energy currently accounts for approximately 15% of Israel's electricity production, with around 70% derived from natural gas. The Energy Ministry has established a goal of achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030, with aspirations to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Ron Eifer, head of the ministry's sustainable energy division, stated that this transition represents a shift from being mere consumers to becoming active participants and producers in the energy sector.
Many households are already generating their own energy and selling any surplus to the national grid. Eifer highlighted that these homes generate around 6,700 megawatts of capacity, but the ministry aims to significantly increase this, as the average household consumes 8,000 kilowatts annually. One megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts.
To assist, the ministry launched a mapping tool where residents can input their address to see available space for solar panel installation and estimate potential electricity generation along with revenue from surplus sales.
Yossi Dayan, the ministry's director general, mentioned their goal to motivate citizens and local authorities to adopt solar roofs, which would also help lower electricity costs. "A solar roof provides energy security for families during emergencies while promoting a clean and green environment," he said.
Most homes and apartments in Israel already utilize solar panels for water heating.
With an annual energy usage growth rate of 3%, among the highest in Western countries, it is crucial for Israel to keep pace with demand while increasing the share of renewables in its energy portfolio.
Citizens, businesses, and municipalities will need to fund the solar panel purchases, which Eifer noted typically reach a break-even point in six years.
He pointed out that, unlike other nations that can rely on options like wind or hydro power, Israel, blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year, mainly depends on solar energy for its renewable energy needs.
"Nearly all our renewable energy is solar," Eifer remarked, noting that electricity prices in Israel are considerably lower than in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands. "We are a solar country, and we stand out in this aspect within the OECD."
"Israel is small and lacks open space, which is why we are advocating for the dual use of land by installing solar panels on buildings rather than in open fields."
Renewable energy currently accounts for approximately 15% of Israel's electricity production, with around 70% derived from natural gas. The Energy Ministry has established a goal of achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030, with aspirations to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Ron Eifer, head of the ministry's sustainable energy division, stated that this transition represents a shift from being mere consumers to becoming active participants and producers in the energy sector.
Many households are already generating their own energy and selling any surplus to the national grid. Eifer highlighted that these homes generate around 6,700 megawatts of capacity, but the ministry aims to significantly increase this, as the average household consumes 8,000 kilowatts annually. One megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts.
To assist, the ministry launched a mapping tool where residents can input their address to see available space for solar panel installation and estimate potential electricity generation along with revenue from surplus sales.
Yossi Dayan, the ministry's director general, mentioned their goal to motivate citizens and local authorities to adopt solar roofs, which would also help lower electricity costs. "A solar roof provides energy security for families during emergencies while promoting a clean and green environment," he said.
Most homes and apartments in Israel already utilize solar panels for water heating.
With an annual energy usage growth rate of 3%, among the highest in Western countries, it is crucial for Israel to keep pace with demand while increasing the share of renewables in its energy portfolio.
Citizens, businesses, and municipalities will need to fund the solar panel purchases, which Eifer noted typically reach a break-even point in six years.
He pointed out that, unlike other nations that can rely on options like wind or hydro power, Israel, blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year, mainly depends on solar energy for its renewable energy needs.
"Nearly all our renewable energy is solar," Eifer remarked, noting that electricity prices in Israel are considerably lower than in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands. "We are a solar country, and we stand out in this aspect within the OECD."
"Israel is small and lacks open space, which is why we are advocating for the dual use of land by installing solar panels on buildings rather than in open fields."