Rooftop solar bill draws criticism

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By Chen Cheng-yu and Liu Tzu-hsuan/staff reporter, with a staff writer

A bill requiring solar panels on the roofs of private buildings drew criticism when it was considered by the legislature’s Economic Affairs Committee on Thursday.

The committee has completed a preliminary review of proposed amendments to the Renewable Energy Development Act (), which were approved by Cabinet earlier this month.

The amendments concerning small hydroelectric, bioenergy and geothermal power stations all require further discussion, as no consensus has been reached.

Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung Environmental Protection Bureau via CNA

The proposed amendment to make solar panels of a certain capacity mandatory for newly built or rebuilt buildings meeting certain conditions has drawn criticism.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Lin Tai-hua () said sunshine varies greatly across the country, so solar panels should not be mandatory in all areas, adding that solar panels could also be an eyesore.

Rooftop space is limited and is used by residents to grow plants, engage in leisure activities and hang out laundry, Lin said.

The installation of solar panels can be encouraged through incentives and should start with public buildings, she said.

The proposed regulations should be included in building regulations rather than legislation, she said.

New Power Party lawmaker Chiu Hsien-chih () said installing solar panels on buildings is a global trend, but the proposed amendment does not include any details regarding the area and minimum installed capacity of solar panels , the types of buildings on which they would be required, the exemption criteria or the inspection mechanisms.

DPP lawmaker Chen Ting-fei () asked if additional measures were in place and who would pay for the panels.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs said it would consider the proposal further based on the views of lawmakers.

DPP lawmaker Hung Sun-han () introduced a motion to allow large electricity users to sell the electricity produced by the solar panels they install after they reach a certain capacity or generate a certain amount of electricity .

The ministry said Taiwan Power Co should draw up a program to provide large users with electricity subsidies after their storage equipment reaches a certain capacity.

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