TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan City Government said Tuesday that the city’s rooftop solar power capacity grew 10.88% in 2024 to reach 2,194.6 megawatts, becoming the main driver of local renewable energy growth.

Economic Daily News reported that rooftop systems now account for about 44% of the city’s total installed solar capacity. Of the 264 megawatts of new solar capacity added in 2024, 81% came from rooftop installations.

Officials said the growth reflects the success of the city’s “rooftop first” policy, which encourages solar panels on existing buildings rather than open land. The approach increases green power supply while helping reduce indoor heat and carbon emissions, they said.

UDN reported that the city has worked with the central government to lower installation costs for residents. Under a household rooftop solar subsidy program, the central government allocated NT$45 million (US$1.41 million) for projects in Tainan.

Homeowners who install solar panels on legal buildings with roof areas under 1,000 square meters can receive NT$3,000 per kilowatt of installed capacity. The maximum subsidy per project is NT$300,000.

“Installing solar panels does not automatically legalize illegal rooftop structures,” the city’s Economic Development Bureau noted. Property owners must comply with central government regulations, and construction authorities must confirm that installations do not affect public safety or interfere with enforcement against illegal structures, per Yahoo News.

Officials said the city will continue promoting renewable energy based on principles of safety, legality, and sustainability. They added that expanding rooftop solar power is a key step toward building a low-carbon and more resilient city.