Solar Energy

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and the Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance are preparing a tender for the construction of solar-thermal power station and photovoltaic power stations with a total capacity of 250 megawatts at the Ashalim site in the Negev. In addition, options are being examined for generating electricity harnessing solar energy, by other technologically advanced methods.

The Electricity Authority is working concurrently to regulate electricity generation from different types of renewable energy sources, as specified on the website of The Public Utility Authority - Electricity.

Photovoltaic Electrical Facility

A photovoltaic facility is a solar energy system that generates electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as “solar cells”, which generate electrical energy from solar radiation. The system consists of collectors and a converter that converts direct current into an electric current that is compatible with the electricity grid.

Photovoltaic devices generate “clean electricity” without emitting smoke or pollutants and help to protect the environment. Each facility built reduces greenhouse gases to a small degree, thereby contributing to the battle against air pollution and global warming, in addition to lowering electricity costs.

In addition, the Israel Electric Corporation undertakes to purchase generated electricity at an attractive price that is several times higher than the rates paid by the consumer, in accordance with the tariffs of the Electricity Authority, and to sell this electricity to its consumers.

To regulate statutory approval for small and medium sized photovoltaic facilities, the National Board for Planning and Building has approved National Outline Plan 10/D/10, a guideline plan for expediting proceedings at the level of the district and local planning and building commissions.

In March 2011, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and the Israel Land Administration published two more tenders to market land for solar energy initiatives involving photovoltaic electricity generation:

Construction of two power stations to supply 10 MW in the Mitzpe Ramon Industrial Zone
Construction of a solar energy station to supply 5 MW in the Ein Evrona Industrial Zone, Eilat

Installation and operation of photovoltaic facilities

A photovoltaic facility is an electrical facility to all intents and purposes whose installation and operation are subject to compliance with the requirements and provisions of the Electricity Law and its Regulations.

The safety conditions for installing and operating the facility are defined by the Director of Electricity Administrationat the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources.

A photovoltaic facility with an output of up to 1 kW does not require a permit. Operating a permanent photovoltaic facility with an output exceeding 1 kW requires a permit from the Director of Electricity Administrationat the

Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, and compliance with the terms for operating the facility.

To obtain the permit, a signed application form must be submitted with all documents specified therein attached, including plans signed by the facility planner or modification planner, and an inspection report of a suitably licensed electrical inspector. The permit holder is entitled to supply electrical energy only to the facility defined in the plan.

In addition a permit is required for a fundamental change to such a facility, such as increase in capacity, change in the means for preventing electrocution, replacement of the electrical infrastructure, replacement of a converter, etc.

A photovoltaic facility shall be inspected once every five years at least, by an electrical inspector suitably licensed for the size of the facility. Failure to conduct the inspection will result in revocation of the permit.

The latest directives currently in effect, as updated from time to time, appear on the Ministry website. For further information, contact the Director of Electricity Administrationat the Ministry.

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