Kaohsiung City Launches Subsidy Program for Privately-Owned Solar Panel Installations

To encourage citizens to install solar photovoltaic equipment on their own buildings, the Kaohsiung City Government is continuing to allocate a budget for solar power subsidies this year. Applications are now open, with subsidies ranging from NT$6,000 to NT$12,000 per kilowatt-peak (kWp). The Kaohsiung City Public Works Bureau stated in a press release today that Kaohsiung has excellent solar radiation conditions, making it well-suited for solar power development. This year's total subsidy budget for solar power is NT$10 million, with applications open from now until October 15. The subsidy amounts range from NT$6,000 to NT$12,000 per kWp. Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-fu stated that this subsidy standard is superior to the Ministry of Economic Affairs' 'Household Rooftop Solar Power Acceleration Plan,' which offers NT$3,000 per kWp, hoping to increase public participation. The Bureau explained that for a typical detached house installing a 5 kWp solar system, the installation cost is about NT$350,000, for which a subsidy of approximately NT$30,000 can be applied. The annual electricity sales revenue is about NT$36,000, with an estimated investment payback period of 9 to 10 years; the subsequent 10 to 11 years of power generation can serve as a stable source of net income. The Bureau pointed out that any citizen registered in Kaohsiung who installs a solar system on a legal building's roof or terrace may have the building owner, their spouse, or a first-degree relative submit the application. Furthermore, a double subsidy is offered for solar installations in remote areas such as Namasia and Taoyuan, with a maximum subsidy of NT$200,000 per application, and a cumulative maximum of NT$300,000 for the same applicant with multiple applications. The application deadline is October 15.