Tokyo to require new housing projects to install solar panels from 2025

This is the first mandate of this type in Japan.

Many new homes being built in Tokyo will require the installation of solar panels starting in April 2025, Kyodo News reported. The local assembly passed new regulations requiring large construction companies to equip homes under 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet) with solar panels or other renewable energy sources. The move is the first of its kind in Japan and aims to halve the city's carbon emissions.

The government estimates that the 980,000 yen ($7,200) price of a 4kW plant can be recouped in about six years based on utility bill savings and an existing subsidy 100,000 yen ($728) per kW. Rental costs will also be reduced through other subsidies, according to an information-rich slideshow (PDF).

The measure only applies to around 50 builders who supply more than 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet) to the market, so it is unclear what percentage of new homes will be subject to the new rules. The measure is expected to have a major effect, however, as the Tokyo government estimates that half of existing buildings (70% of which are houses) will be replaced by new construction by 2050.

New construction sites in Japan have averaged about 800,000 to 900,000 per year from 2012 to 2021, and a handful of large contractors called Super Zenecon dominate the construction industry. construction, according to Statista.

Japan is the world's fifth largest producer of carbon emissions, but has promised to be carbon neutral by 2050. It is not the only country to impose solar installations. In France, lawmakers recently approved a bill requiring car parks with at least 80 spaces to be covered by solar panels. The French government said the plan, primarily targeting car parks off highways and main roads, could generate up to 11 gigawatts, the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors.

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Technology Dec 16, 2022 0 115 Add to Reading List

Tokyo to require new housing projects to install solar panels from 2025

This is the first mandate of this type in Japan.

Many new homes being built in Tokyo will require the installation of solar panels starting in April 2025, Kyodo News reported. The local assembly passed new regulations requiring large construction companies to equip homes under 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet) with solar panels or other renewable energy sources. The move is the first of its kind in Japan and aims to halve the city's carbon emissions.

The government estimates that the 980,000 yen ($7,200) price of a 4kW plant can be recouped in about six years based on utility bill savings and an existing subsidy 100,000 yen ($728) per kW. Rental costs will also be reduced through other subsidies, according to an information-rich slideshow (PDF).

The measure only applies to around 50 builders who supply more than 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet) to the market, so it is unclear what percentage of new homes will be subject to the new rules. The measure is expected to have a major effect, however, as the Tokyo government estimates that half of existing buildings (70% of which are houses) will be replaced by new construction by 2050.

New construction sites in Japan have averaged about 800,000 to 900,000 per year from 2012 to 2021, and a handful of large contractors called Super Zenecon dominate the construction industry. construction, according to Statista.

Japan is the world's fifth largest producer of carbon emissions, but has promised to be carbon neutral by 2050. It is not the only country to impose solar installations. In France, lawmakers recently approved a bill requiring car parks with at least 80 spaces to be covered by solar panels. The French government said the plan, primarily targeting car parks off highways and main roads, could generate up to 11 gigawatts, the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.