In a significant move to reduce carbon emissions from the household sector, the Tokyo metropolitan government announced on Thursday, Dec. 15, that it will introduce a system requiring newly built homes to be fitted with solar panels from 2025.
As reported by Engadget, the local assembly established new legislation forcing big construction companies to use solar panels or other renewable energy sources in residences less than 2,000 square meters.
First-of-its-kind Mandate
This is the first mandate of its kind in Japan and was made possible by the passage of a revised ordinance on environmental security, which was approved by a majority vote on the final day of a regular Tokyo metropolitan assembly session.
As per Tokyo's Bureau of Environment, as a major energy consumer, Tokyo will intensify efforts to lay the groundwork for a decarbonized society and provide energy security in an integrated manner in order to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030.
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The adoption of solar panels in new homes will promote the use of renewable energy and encourage households to be more energy efficient. Solar panels can help households reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.
Tokyo's aim to reduce carbon emissions by half from their level in 2000 by 2030 is backed by a supplemental budget of 116.2 billion yen, which included grants for installing the panels. This is according to a report from Kyodo News
Furthermore, the government predicts that the 980,000 yen ($7,200) cost of a 4kW installation can be recouped in around six years based on power bill savings and an existing 100,000 yen ($728) per kW subsidy. Other incentives will also be used to cut leasing prices, according to a publicly available information sheet.
The Tokyo metropolitan government's decision to implement this policy is a significant step in the fight against climate change and a commitment to the use of clean energy.
The move has been met with praise from environmental groups, who see it as a positive step towards a more sustainable future. It is hoped that other regions in Japan and around the world will follow Tokyo's lead in adopting similar measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
More Advantages
As the Tokyo local government realizes, turning to solar power and other renewable materials also has its financial benefits. Reports also tell us that the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, making them more affordable for many people.
Additionally, solar panels can be installed on a variety of roof types, including flat or sloped roofs, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of a building. These kinds of installations can also raise the value of a home because they are seen as desirable and could save the owner money on energy costs, Energy.gov says.
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