Tokyo’s New Law Requires All New Homes in the City to be Fitted With Solar Panels

The Tokyo metropolitan government recently announced that it will be introducing a new law requiring all new homes in the city to be fitted with solar panels. Coming into effect beginning in April 2025, this new law is part of the Japanese city’s bid to reduce carbon emissions from the household sector.

As reported by Kyodo News, the new law is the first of its kind in Japan. Coming in the form of a revised ordinance on environmental security, it was passed on Thursday (15 December 2022) by a majority vote on the final day of a regular Tokyo metropolitan assembly session.

With the law, a new system will be enforced whereby major housing construction firms are required to install solar panels on buildings with a total floor area of less than 2,000 square metres. Home buyers need to cooperate too and those privately contracting the construction of a residence 2,000 square metres or more will be obliged to fit it with solar panels.

The reason why the system will only be enforced in April 2025 is for residents to be informed and prepared for the requirement. The Tokyo government also announced that it will provide subsidies for the initial costs of installing solar panels to leasing firms so as to reduce the burden on home buyers. This is in accordance with Tokyo’s goal to halve carbon emissions by 2030 from the level of those in 2000.

So, what do you guys think of this new law in Tokyo? Do you think similar regulations should be introduced in our country? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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