Energy Administration: New Rooftop Solar Regulations Take Effect in August, Must Withstand Category 17 Typhoon Winds
Taiwan's Energy Administration announced that starting August 1, 2025, new large buildings will be required to install rooftop solar panels that meet upgraded wind resistance standards, capable of withstanding Category 17 typhoon winds. The new regulations aim to enhance building disaster resilience and power supply stability.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 18:14 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 18:21 (6 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, reporter Xie Yixuan, Taipei, 10th) The policy mandating rooftop solar installations on large new buildings will take effect on August 1st. The Energy Administration stated that it has upgraded the installation standards for rooftop solar to withstand Category 17 winds. Solar installation must be incorporated into building permit planning, and inspections are required every two years to strengthen power resilience and safety.
The new "Standards for the Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Equipment on Buildings" will take effect on August 1st. They mandate that new buildings, additions, or alterations with a floor area of 1,000 square meters (approximately 300 ping) or more, or where the roof area is changed by 1,000 square meters or more during renovation, must install solar photovoltaic power generation equipment. Four categories of buildings are exempt: religious and funeral facilities, hazardous materials facilities, buildings deemed unsuitable for installation, and buildings with insufficient sunlight exposure.
In a press release today, the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Energy Administration addressed public concerns about the safety of installing solar panels on the roofs of new buildings over 1,000 square meters. The Energy Administration explained that for new buildings, solar power is integrated into the design from the initial planning stage. Fixing components can be pre-embedded during construction, avoiding the risk of damaging the roof's waterproof layer during secondary installation.
The Energy Administration noted that, considering recent extreme weather events and Taiwan's location on typhoon paths, current solar modules must pass a wind pressure resistance test of 5,400 Pa, equivalent to a pressure of approximately 550 kilograms per square meter. This wind resistance capability is comparable to the wind pressure level on high floors of super-tall buildings and is similar to the wind environment considerations for buildings over 100 meters tall.
The Energy Administration also stated that the "Standards for Exempting Renewable Energy Facility Installations from Miscellaneous Permits" require that before installing solar panels, a professional technician must perform structural safety calculations and certification. This ensures the roof's load-bearing capacity, dead load, live load, and the effects of wind, seismic, or other horizontal forces are confirmed to guarantee structural safety.
To enhance the disaster response and power resilience of new buildings, the Energy Administration requires that the circuit design of solar photovoltaic equipment allows it to be isolated from the transmission and distribution grid during a power outage while still providing solar power to the building. By combining this with emergency backup power, buildings can maintain basic living functions and response capabilities during a power interruption. This can also extend the building's disaster prevention capabilities and facilitate the creation of community microgrids by integrating with community power supply equipment. For subsequent operation and maintenance, the regulations mandate structural and electrical inspections every two years to ensure the sustainable operation of the power generation system.
The Energy Administration emphasized that the policy of installing solar panels on the roofs of new buildings is not only a response to the international trend of net-zero emissions but also a crucial opportunity to enhance the disaster resilience and living quality of domestic buildings. The Energy Administration will continue to collaborate closely with the Ministry of the Interior's National Land Management Agency and other relevant departments to ensure safety throughout the process, from building permit review and construction operation to regular maintenance, allowing green energy development and residential safety to go hand in hand. (Editor: Yang Kaixiang) 1150610
The new "Standards for the Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Equipment on Buildings" will take effect on August 1st. They mandate that new buildings, additions, or alterations with a floor area of 1,000 square meters (approximately 300 ping) or more, or where the roof area is changed by 1,000 square meters or more during renovation, must install solar photovoltaic power generation equipment. Four categories of buildings are exempt: religious and funeral facilities, hazardous materials facilities, buildings deemed unsuitable for installation, and buildings with insufficient sunlight exposure.
In a press release today, the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Energy Administration addressed public concerns about the safety of installing solar panels on the roofs of new buildings over 1,000 square meters. The Energy Administration explained that for new buildings, solar power is integrated into the design from the initial planning stage. Fixing components can be pre-embedded during construction, avoiding the risk of damaging the roof's waterproof layer during secondary installation.
The Energy Administration noted that, considering recent extreme weather events and Taiwan's location on typhoon paths, current solar modules must pass a wind pressure resistance test of 5,400 Pa, equivalent to a pressure of approximately 550 kilograms per square meter. This wind resistance capability is comparable to the wind pressure level on high floors of super-tall buildings and is similar to the wind environment considerations for buildings over 100 meters tall.
The Energy Administration also stated that the "Standards for Exempting Renewable Energy Facility Installations from Miscellaneous Permits" require that before installing solar panels, a professional technician must perform structural safety calculations and certification. This ensures the roof's load-bearing capacity, dead load, live load, and the effects of wind, seismic, or other horizontal forces are confirmed to guarantee structural safety.
To enhance the disaster response and power resilience of new buildings, the Energy Administration requires that the circuit design of solar photovoltaic equipment allows it to be isolated from the transmission and distribution grid during a power outage while still providing solar power to the building. By combining this with emergency backup power, buildings can maintain basic living functions and response capabilities during a power interruption. This can also extend the building's disaster prevention capabilities and facilitate the creation of community microgrids by integrating with community power supply equipment. For subsequent operation and maintenance, the regulations mandate structural and electrical inspections every two years to ensure the sustainable operation of the power generation system.
The Energy Administration emphasized that the policy of installing solar panels on the roofs of new buildings is not only a response to the international trend of net-zero emissions but also a crucial opportunity to enhance the disaster resilience and living quality of domestic buildings. The Energy Administration will continue to collaborate closely with the Ministry of the Interior's National Land Management Agency and other relevant departments to ensure safety throughout the process, from building permit review and construction operation to regular maintenance, allowing green energy development and residential safety to go hand in hand. (Editor: Yang Kaixiang) 1150610
FAQ
When does this new regulation take effect?
It takes effect on August 1, 2025.
What types of buildings are subject to this regulation?
New buildings, additions, or alterations with a roof area of 1,000 square meters or more.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes, four categories: religious/funeral facilities, hazardous materials facilities, buildings deemed unsuitable, and those with insufficient sunlight.