The Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has recently announced a new target to install 100,000 additional solar roof systems nationwide by 2030. This initiative, part of the “Solar Roofs” project, aims to encourage wider adoption of solar energy among residents, enhancing the country’s energy independence and resilience.
The plan is expected to deploy 1.6GW of solar capacity, covering 15% of residential rooftops in Israel and contributing to the overall goal of achieving a 30% renewable energy share in the country’s electricity mix by 2030. Furthermore, it will transform rooftop PV system users from mere consumers to “prosumers,” allowing them to generate their own electricity for self-consumption and sell surplus power to the national grid.
The Israeli government will introduce new electricity price and tax policies, enabling residents to recoup their investments in PV systems within five years. Under this plan, households installing rooftop PV systems are expected to achieve a stable return rate of over 14% for 25 years.
For instance, a 15kW residential rooftop PV system can generate an annual income of approximately 13,000 Israeli New Shekels (NIS) for users, while a 30kW system can yield 25,000 NIS annually. Additionally, installing energy storage systems in residential buildings can not only increase earnings but also ensure power supply during emergencies, enhancing energy security.
A national platform will be established to facilitate the promotion of the plan, with AI-supported income assessments. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure will create a national renewable energy portal and an implementation center to provide installation guidelines for residents. The government is also exploring subsidized loans for residential committees and promoting PV installation loans for public housing.
Recently, the Israeli Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the National Surveying and Mapping Authority, launched an AI-based tool to assess the solar potential of rooftops. This tool aids residents and the government in estimating rooftop solar generation potential and electricity sales income, applicable to various land uses in both public and private spaces.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that the “100,000 Solar Roofs” plan is a historic initiative for Israeli citizens, poised to revolutionize the energy market. Installing solar panels not only generates additional economic benefits for homeowners but also provides power during emergencies, enhances national energy security, and produces clean, pollution-free electricity, benefiting public health.
Currently, Israel’s annual renewable energy installation capacity averages around 1GW, but to achieve the 30% renewable energy target by 2030, annual installations need to increase to 1.4GW.
