42 Israeli Municipalities Receive Grants for Solar Canopies on Sports Fields

Forty-two local authorities in Israel have been awarded grants ranging from 300,000 to 450,000 shekels each to fund solar canopy installations over public sports fields. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Citizens of Israel Fund, allocates a total of 15 million shekels to cover the costs. The solar canopies will provide shade and generate clean electricity, with a combined installed capacity exceeding 3 megawatts and covering more than 25,000 square meters.

Among the recipients, 15 municipalities belong to socio-economic clusters 1 to 4, and 23 are located in peripheral areas according to the peripheral index 1 to 5. Notable municipalities include Tel Aviv-Yafo, Herzliya, Holon, Sderot, Kiryat Malakhi, Sakhnin, and Tayibe, alongside various regional and local councils across the country. The project aims to extend the usability of sports fields by protecting users from sun and rain, reduce pollutant emissions, and enhance the energy independence of local authorities.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen emphasized the project’s role in advancing Israel’s energy security and renewable energy goals for 2030. He highlighted that the solar canopies will transform municipal expenses into profitable investments, increase public shaded areas by thousands of dunams, and enable community activities regardless of weather conditions. Knesset member Nissim Vaturi, chair of the oversight committee for the Citizens of Israel Fund, noted that this collaboration will significantly advance Israel’s renewable energy sector.

This initiative builds on a previous 2025 call for proposals that added over 50,000 square meters of solar canopies with an installed capacity of about 6.5 megawatts. Combined, the current and past projects are expected to provide more than 75,000 square meters of solar canopies and a total installed capacity of approximately 9.5 megawatts.