Israel urges the public to install solar panels on their roofs in order to generate electricity

Solar panels are being installed on roofs in Israel to harness the sun's power and help Israel meet its growing demand for electricity.

Around 15% of Israel's electric production comes from renewable sources, while about 70% of it is natural gas. The Energy Ministry set a 30% target by 2030, which will increase dramatically by 2050, when the goal of net zero emissions becomes a reality.

Ron Eifer is the head of the sustainable energy division at the Ministry.

Several households produce their own energy and sell the remainder to the national grid. Eifer stated that these homes produced about 6,700 megawatts, but the Ministry is looking to increase the number dramatically since the average family uses 8,000 kilowatts per hour each year. One megawatt equals 1000 kilowatts.

The ministry launched on Tuesday a site that allows residents to enter their addresses and see how much space is available to install solar panels. It also calculates how much electricity can be generated, as well as how much money they could earn by selling excess.

Yossi Dajan, director general of the Ministry, said, "We would like to encourage local authorities and citizens to install solar rooftops." He added that the move will help lower electricity bills. Solar roofs provide energy security to families in emergency situations and help maintain a clean and green environment.

Solar panels are already installed on the roofs of many homes and apartments in Israel to heat water.

Israel's energy consumption is growing at 3% per year, which makes it one of the most rapidly-growing countries in the West. It is therefore doubly crucial to increase the proportion of renewables within its energy mix in order to meet the demand.

Eifer stated that the panels are usually paid for by businesses, municipalities, and citizens. Eifer also said that they typically break even within six years.

He said that Israel has no alternative renewable energy options, unlike other countries where wind and hydro power are available.

Eifer added that electricity in Israel is much cheaper than in other countries such as Germany or The Netherlands. "We are a country that is primarily solar and are unique among the OECD countries in this regard."

"Israel is a tiny country with limited space... this is why we encourage and promote the use of solar on dual-use of land, i.e. on top of buildings rather than in open fields."

(source: Reuters)