Tokyo makes solar panels mandatory for new homes from 2025

Tokyo authorities have adopted a decision to make the installation of solar panels mandatory for new homes from April 2025. The measure primarily affects about 50 large companies which are the main builders of homes in Japan’s capital.

Tokyo’s decision, the first of its kind in Japan, is aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, according to the city authorities, local media reported.

Japan is the fifth largest emitter of CO2 in the world and has pledged to make those emissions net zero by 2050, and achieve climate neutrality. Tokyo has set a goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030, compared to 2000 levels.

Buildings with roofs smaller than 20 square meters will be exempt

The decision intends to impose mandatory obligations on about 50 major home building companies. They will have to equip homes of up to 2,000 square meters with renewable energy sources, primarily solar panels.

Homes with a roof area of less than 20 square meters will be exempt, Japan Times reported.

Companies will not have to install solar panels on all buildings they develop, but will have to meet certain targets for the share of homes with panels. A 30% target is planned for Chiyoda and Chuo wards, 70% for the remaining 21 wards and the city of Musashino, and 85% for other areas of Tokyo.

The city will also prepare subsidies to help implement the decision

City authorities will also prepare subsidies to support the implementation of the decision, said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. Currently, only 4% of all buildings suitable for the installation of solar panels in Tokyo have such installations, according to Koike.

On top of the existing climate crisis, we are also dealing with an energy crisis, additionally fueled by the war in Ukraine, so we have no time to lose, said Risako Narikiyo, a party colleague of Governor Koike.