ABSTRACT

Israel is one of the most favored countries in the world in terms of solar radiation. The active use of solar energy in Israel began in the late 1940s, probably even before the proclamation of the state of Israel in 1948. Solar hot water heaters provided many Israelis with a sufficient supply of hot water, at more convenient times, and generally at lower costs than electric water heaters. The decision by the Israel Electricity Company (I.E.C.) to reduce night time electricity rates for electric water heaters was the main cause. I.E.C. attempted to slow down further penetration of the market for water heaters by solar energy equipment, the main alternative to electric water heaters. Solar energy researchers played a very important role in the development of the solar energy branch. The law requires the buyer of a solar collector system to get a permit from the local administration before actually installing the system.