Rooftop Solar
Rooftop solar is the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of a building to capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity for on‑site use or grid export.
How Rooftop Solar Works
Rooftop solar systems consist of photovoltaic (PV) panels, an inverter, mounting hardware and wiring. Sunlight hits the silicon cells in the panels, generating direct current (DC). The inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC) that matches the building’s electrical network. Excess electricity can be sent to the grid through a net‑metering meter.
Why It Matters
- Local generation reduces transmission losses and dependence on fossil‑fuel power plants.
- Cost savings: after the initial investment, owners pay little or nothing for electricity and may earn credits for surplus power.
- Environmental impact: each kilowatt‑hour (kWh) produced cuts CO₂ emissions by roughly 0.5 kg.
Typical Output Example
In Israel, a 5 kW rooftop system receives about 1,500 kWh of solar irradiance per kW each year. That yields ~7,500 kWh annually—enough to power a four‑person household, offsetting roughly 3.8 t of CO₂.
Israeli Context
Israel enjoys an average of 2,800 kWh m⁻² of solar radiation per year, one of the highest in the world. The government’s “Shaviv” net‑metering scheme lets residential owners sell surplus electricity at the utility rate, making rooftop solar financially attractive. Recent reforms also allow third‑party investors to install panels on apartment‑building roofs, expanding access beyond single‑family homes.
Key Takeaways
- Rooftop solar converts sunlight into usable electricity directly on a building.
- It lowers electricity bills, creates clean energy, and can generate income through net‑metering.
- In Israel’s sunny climate, a modest system can cover most household demand and contribute to national renewable‑energy targets.