The first solar kibbutz
Kibbutz Reim in western Negev to be first ever community to rely entirely on solar energy for domestic consumption; 130 solar panels to be placed on all buildings in place, excess electricity to be sold to Electric Company
Kibbutz Reim in the western Negev will soon become the first community in Israel – and probably in the world as well – to rely entirely on energy derived from the sun for domestic consumption.
Solar panels will be placed on the roofs of every house in the kibbutz and produce electricity for the community. Any excess energy will be sold to the Israel Electric Company.
No Funding
Yael Ivri-Darel
Bedouin village named first solar-powered community in Israel, the world after taking part in energy conservation project. Trial proves mixed blessing as it lacks funding needed to continue
The Sunday company, which markets the technology in Israel, will install solar panels on all 130 rooftops in the kibbutz, including the members' homes, the dining hall and public buildings. It is estimated that during peak hours the system will be capable of manufacturing at least 2.5 megawatts per hour.
Noam Mark, the kibbutz's economic director, said: "We could have taken a large agricultural area and instead of cultivating it place the panels there. But it's not what we wanted. We seek to transform the kibbutz into a greener community in terms of electricity production, and this is why we chose to go this way."
Sunday CEO Kobi Diner stated that Reim would be the first community to have panels situated on each and every roof. The two estimated that the system's installation would begin in about six months and last up to a year.
The project is estimated to cost some NIS 60-100 million ($16-26.5 million), and the investment is expected to pay for itself within 10 years. The project's cost and revenues from electricity will be divided evenly between the kibbutz and the company.
Solar panel on the roof (illustration)
Photo: AFP
מומלצים
