On Thursday, the Executive Yuan approved a new subsidy plan aimed at accelerating the installation of rooftop solar panels on private residential buildings across Taiwan. This initiative, designed to promote renewable energy use, offers up to NT$300,000 (approximately US$9,257) in subsidies for eligible property owners.
Details of the New Rooftop Solar Energy Installation Program
The plan, officially named the “Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Installation Acceleration Plan,” is specifically aimed at private residential buildings with rooftop areas of less than 1,000 square meters. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced that the subsidy would provide a cash rebate of NT$3,000 per kilowatt of installed capacity, with a maximum subsidy of NT$300,000 per project.
This program will run from 2025 to 2028, with a total budget allocation of NT$4.08 billion. The funds will be disbursed by the MOEA, while local governments will oversee the administration of applications and processing.
According to the MOEA, the initiative is expected to generate an additional NT$72 billion in solar energy investments and benefit approximately 120,000 households across Taiwan.
Streamlined Application Process for Faster Approval
To facilitate the process for homeowners, the program will feature a simplified application system. Local governments will be tasked with processing new solar panel installations along with subsidy applications. The submission process will only require five essential documents:
- Subsidy application form
- Applicant’s ID card
- Solar panel registration form
- Receipt of purchase
- A copy of the applicant’s bankbook
Energy Administration Director-General Yu Cheng-wei (游振偉) explained that this new plan would complement the existing solar energy subsidies offered by various local governments, making it easier for residents to take advantage of multiple incentives.
Regional Differences in Local Solar Energy Subsidies
While the central government will handle the national program, local municipalities in Taiwan have their own solar energy subsidy schemes. These vary by region and can offer different rebate amounts per kilowatt installed. For example:
- New Taipei: NT$15,000 per kilowatt for systems of up to 10 kilowatts
- Taichung: NT$5,000 to NT$10,000 per kilowatt
- Kaohsiung: NT$6,000 to NT$12,000 per kilowatt
Rooftop solar systems currently cost between NT$55,000 and NT$60,000 per kilowatt of installed capacity. This new subsidy plan, along with regional incentives, will significantly reduce the upfront costs for homeowners, encouraging more participation in Taiwan’s green energy transition.
Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Goals and Solar Power Capacity
The new plan is part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to expand its solar power capacity. As of now, Taiwan has approximately 13.82 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, with 63% of that coming from rooftop systems. The government aims to increase total solar power capacity to 20 GW by 2026 and 31 GW by 2030, making solar energy a key component of Taiwan’s renewable energy strategy.
In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for 9.5% of Taiwan’s total electricity generation, with solar power contributing approximately half of this amount, or between 4% to 5% of the country’s total electricity generation.
Table: Key Features of the Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Installation Acceleration Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subsidy Amount | NT$3,000 per kilowatt (up to NT$300,000 per project) |
| Eligibility | Private residential buildings with less than 1,000 m² of rooftop space |
| Program Duration | 2025 – 2028 |
| Total Budget | NT$4.08 billion |
| Expected Investment Impact | NT$72 billion in additional solar investments |
| Documents Required | 1. Subsidy application form 2. Applicant ID card 3. Solar panel registration form 4. Receipt of purchase 5. Bankbook copy |
| Targeted Beneficiaries | 120,000 households |
| Cost of Solar Installation | NT$55,000 – NT$60,000 per kilowatt |
FAQs About Taiwan’s New Solar Panel Subsidy Plan
1. What is the maximum subsidy available under the new program?
Homeowners can receive up to NT$300,000 in subsidies for installing rooftop solar panels, depending on the total kilowatts installed.
2. Who can apply for the subsidy?
Both property owners and solar energy companies can apply for the subsidy on behalf of property owners.
3. How long will the subsidy program run?
The program will run from 2025 to 2028.
4. How much will it cost to install rooftop solar panels?
The cost for rooftop solar installations typically ranges from NT$55,000 to NT$60,000 per kilowatt of installed capacity.
5. Can I apply for local government subsidies in addition to the national program?
Yes, local governments in Taiwan also offer their own solar panel subsidies, and homeowners can take advantage of both national and local incentives.
