Israel Solar Energy Rooftop Program Aims for 2030 Targets
Israel’s Electricity Authority has unveiled an ambitious new rooftop solar initiative, aiming to inject up to 1.6 GW of capacity by 2030. Announced recently, this program is a significant step in supporting Israel’s transition to clean energy, leveraging the potential of solar power by incentivizing widespread rooftop installations across the nation.
The initiative is set to officially launch in early 2025 and will run for three years. During this time, annual auctions will be organized to allocate capacity for new rooftop solar installations. The auctions will distribute 100 MW per year for smaller systems ranging from 10 kW to 400 kW and 400 MW per year for larger systems between 400 kW and 5 MW.
This well-structured program aims for a balanced distribution of solar capacity by splitting each auction equally between residential and commercial sectors. This strategy is designed to encourage broad participation from homeowners and businesses alike, maximizing the initiative’s impact and reach.
Lower Electricity Costs Through Israel Solar Energy Auctions
The Electricity Authority anticipates that these auctions will lead to a significant reduction in electricity tariffs for consumers. Current projections suggest that average tariffs could drop to NIS 0.32 ($0.08)/kWh for smaller systems and NIS 0.30/kWh for larger ones, thus making solar energy more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Israel has been steadily ramping up its solar capacity, with approximately 1.2 GW added in 2024, bringing its total installed capacity to around 6.9 GW. This growth aligns with Israel’s broader efforts to pivot towards renewable energy and lessen reliance on fossil fuels.
The new rooftop solar initiative builds on these efforts by providing a clear framework for adding substantial capacity over the next six years. The 1.6 GW target is a significant boost to the country’s solar infrastructure, positioning Israel as a regional leader in renewable energy development.
Expanding Israel Solar Energy with Large-Scale Rooftop Installations
In 2023, Israel initiated a large-scale rooftop solar program in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and EDF Renewables Israel. This initiative was a milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey, focusing on installing solar systems on public buildings and educational institutions.
This program, partly financed by the EBRD through a senior loan to Israel Infrastructure Partners, aims to generate 48 GWh of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 11,000 households. It highlights the potential of rooftop solar to significantly contribute to Israel’s energy mix.
Moreover, the initiative supports Israel’s broader environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By generating clean energy from solar power, the program displaces the equivalent of 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This reduction aligns with Israel’s national climate targets, underscoring the importance of renewable energy in combating global environmental challenges.
The expertise of EDF Renewables Israel, a subsidiary of the French multinational electric utility company EDF, will be crucial in overseeing the installation and management of the rooftop solar systems, ensuring the program’s success.
Israel’s new rooftop solar program is a critical component of the country’s renewable energy strategy. With a target of 1.6 GW of capacity by 2030, the initiative seeks to enhance access to clean energy while cutting electricity costs for consumers. As the program rolls out in 2025, it will be instrumental in helping Israel meet its climate commitments and transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
