Currently, Israel only gets less than 2% of its energy from renewable sources. This despite the ubiquitous and stylish hot water heating solar panels adorning everyone’s roof. Seeing as there is a global trend to become more energy efficient so that Florida does not end up under water (on second thought…), a number of steps have been taken to make Israel more “green”. For instance, the government plans to install solar arrays on the Knesset roof, while also taking steps to reduce consumption. These panels will of course replace the current system of wires and tubes attached to Oren Hazan and Jamal Zahalka.
In addition, the Knesset passed a law(PDF) giving major tax incentives in exchange for renewable energy usage and production by individuals and small groups. The law, which passed unanimously, was sponsored by Yisrael Beitenu MK Hamad Amar and Zionist Union MK Yael Cohen Paran.
The new law rewards the tax exemptions to people who use renewable energy to put more electricity into the grid than they consume. It also provides exemptions for people who provide land for the instillation of renewable energy sources and who provide the actual source of the energy. The exemptions will make the instillation of renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels more affordable especially for collectives of individuals living in buildings.
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