The Legislative Yuan on Monday is set to pass amendments that would require rooftop solar panels to be installed on all new structures and renovations meeting certain criteria.
Already required for new construction, expansion or reconstruction of public buildings, the changes to the Renewable Energy Development Act (再生能源發展條例) are to extend the mandate to include private projects of a certain size.
However, private structures may be exempted if they would not receive enough sunlight or meet other criteria, to be stipulated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior at a later date.
Photo: CNA
In writing the bill, the economic ministry referenced the Berlin Solar Law, which mandates that at least 30 percent of the roof on newly constructed or renovated buildings be dedicated to a photovoltaic system, but exempts buildings with a usable area of 50 square meters or less.
The amendments also include provisions governing the development of geothermal energy exploration, definition of offshore wind power, small hydropower facilities and types of facilities that may operate biopower plants.
The Executive Yuan approved the amendments on Dec. 8 last year and sent them to the legislature for deliberation.
Lawmakers and party caucuses also proposed their own versions, although the final version submitted to third reading review on Monday was primarily based on the Executive Yuan proposal.
However, the rooftop solar panel provision drew criticism from lawmakers concerned about variable sunlight levels, appropriation of public space and poorly defined details on requirements and exemptions.
The changes are part of the government’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, which involves raising the share of renewables in the energy mix to 60 to 70 percent by that date.
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