Tokyo Makes Solar Panels Mandatory for New Homes Built After 2025

Tags: International News

On December 15, the Japanese capital's local assembly passed a new rule mandating that all new homes in Tokyo built by large-scale home builders after April 2025 must install solar power panels to cut household carbon emissions.

Important facts

• This new rule for newly built homes mandates about 50 major builders to equip homes of up to 2,000 square metres (21,500 sq ft) with renewable energy sources, mainly solar panels.

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 2,000 levels.

• Japan is the fifth largest carbon emitter in the world. It has committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

• Meanwhile, scientists at the California Institute of Technology also launched a space solar program in 2013 following a $100 million grant, while teams from countries including Japan, Russia and India are also studying the possibilities.