Taiwan’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for the installation of rooftop solar panels. EPA Director Shen Chih-hsiu (沈志修) said on Tuesday that the agency will target 1,000 neighborhoods across the island early next year to meet Taiwan's 2050 net-zero emissions goal.
The Energy Bureau conducted an energy test earlier this year on its 360 square meter roof. The EPA installed 357 solar panels that can generate about 148,000 kWh a year, which is 14% of the total annual electricity consumption of the agency. This amount of solar energy could prevent the output of 74.3 metric tons of carbon per year.
Shen says this model can be a demonstration for government units to promote solar photovoltaics. He adds that he hopes to replicate the agency’s successful experience in target communities and eventually across the country.