The Israeli government is simplifying the approval process for rooftop solar projects to expedite the deployment of domestic PV systems, aiming to add 100,000 new PV systems by 2030.
Optimizing Residential Solar Approval Process to Accelerate Rooftop Solar Plan
The Planning and Building Commission of Israel has approved an exemption from the requirement for a building permit for the installation of PV systems. Instead of requiring certification by an electrical engineer, any licensed electrician is now allowed to provide compliance certification to ensure that the systems meet safety and regulatory requirements. Previously, the Israeli government announced the “Rooftop Solar Plan,” targeting an additional 1.6GW of residential rooftop solar capacity, expected to cover 15% of the country’s residential buildings.
Small-Scale Energy Storage Systems Also to Benefit
Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is advancing a policy to extend the building permit exemption to small-scale energy storage facilities. On March 11, 2025, the National Planning and Building Commission approved an amendment to the regulations, exempting energy storage systems with a capacity of 600kWh or less and occupying an area not exceeding 5 square meters from the requirement for a building construction permit. According to the ministry’s estimates, such systems can provide power for 2 to 3 hours to a residential building with 10 apartments and can be used in agriculture, public, and commercial buildings. The introduction of energy storage will extend the usage time of renewable energy and provide backup during grid outages or emergencies.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasizes that the advantages of energy storage systems lie not only in extending the supply time of renewable energy but also in reducing electricity costs by storing energy during off-peak hours. This move is expected to further promote the development of renewable energy in Israel and enhance the country’s energy security and sustainability.
