'Red Tape, Lack Of Data Will Hit Solar Panel Push'

Red tape and a lack of information about solar panels will hold back public participation in a clean energy move despite a government push, a green group warned on Wednesday.

The group, 350HK, said unless the government helps by simplifying rules and providing more information about different service providers who can install rooftop solar panels, it is difficult to see common people backing the initiative.

The government on Tuesday said it will ask Hong Kong's two power companies to buy power generated by homes with solar panels for up to five dollars per unit, a rate higher than consumers currently pay.

Liaison officer of 350HK, Prentice Koo, said it's not easy for a family to install solar panels under existing laws.

"In order to fulfill the legal requirement, an individual will have to submit professional drawings to the Buildings Department. They usually hire a service provider for this instead of doing it themselves. But finding the right service provider is a problem," Koo said.

He also said that the government should consider introducing solar power crowdfunding projects, like in South Korea. There, he said, the government undertakes a solar power project with public participation, and people are paid part of the profit generated.

Koo also told RTHK's Janice Wong that the Hong Kong government should organise such solar power projects on a big scale to move towards more clean energy.