Israel Sees Surge in Rooftop Solar Installations as Households Generate Electricity

New data from Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure reveals a significant increase in residential solar energy production. In the first half of 2026, nearly 5,000 home solar systems were connected to the national grid, a 37% rise compared to approximately 3,600 systems connected in the same period of 2025. This brings the total number of Israeli households generating their own electricity via rooftop solar systems to over 40,000.

The growth trend is not limited to recent months. Between July 2025 and June 2026, about 9,800 home systems were installed, up from roughly 7,400 in the preceding 12 months, marking a 33% annual increase in connection rates. The ministry anticipates around 10,000 new installations by the end of 2026. The national "100,000 Roofs" program aims to reach 100,000 solar systems by 2030, requiring sustained and increased installation rates.

Homeowners can benefit financially as solar systems generate electricity from sunlight. Depending on the system and grid connection, property owners receive compensation for excess electricity fed back into the grid. In some cases, this income can exceed the household's electricity bill, effectively reversing the payment flow. The actual financial return varies based on factors like roof space, system capacity, panel orientation, sunlight exposure, installation costs, financing, and the electricity tariff.

A key incentive for installations is the current electricity purchase tariff, which is valid for those joining the program until the end of 2026. Potential installers are advised to check these terms before the deadline, as they may change in 2027. The specific income generated will still depend on the system's size and its individual tariff.

Not all rooftops are equally suitable for solar installations. Factors such as available space, shading from nearby structures or trees, roof orientation, and existing rooftop equipment influence the number of panels that can be installed. The type of property also matters, with private homes differing from apartment buildings requiring shared property decisions. Prospective buyers should obtain estimates for annual output, total system cost, and projected income based on their specific roof.

Standard grid-connected solar systems do not typically provide power during outages. To ensure electricity supply during blackouts, specialized systems with battery storage and appropriate equipment are necessary. Energy Minister Eli Cohen highlighted the benefit of having electricity during emergencies for systems designed for this purpose. Consumers should inquire about battery storage capacity and which appliances will be powered during an outage before purchasing.