Quick Answer
Hong Kong's 2026 solar incentives center on the Feed-in Tariff Scheme, which pays HK$4/kWh for systems up to 10 kW, HK$3/kWh for 10–200 kW, and HK$2.5/kWh for 200 kW–1 MW until end-2033. The city also offers Renewable Energy Certificates, gross-metering sales to CLP and HK Electric, and streamlined approvals for rooftop and car-park solar.
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely built cities, yet its solar market is growing from a low base. As of September 2024, the two power companies had approved roughly 26,000 feed-in tariff applications. Those systems can generate about 414 million kWh per year, enough to meet the demand of around 126,000 households, according to news.gov.hk reporting on Environment & Ecology Bureau data (2024). For installers, property managers, and building owners, the opportunity is real but narrow: space is tight, the approval process matters, and the main incentive expires at the end of 2033.
This guide covers Hong Kong’s 2026 solar incentives in full. It explains how the Feed-in Tariff Scheme works, how the gross-metering structure differs from net metering, what RE Certificates are, and how to size and price a project before the deadline. For a regional comparison, see our solar incentives in China guide. For payback benchmarks across markets, see solar payback period by country.
If you are designing systems or writing proposals for Hong Kong clients, use a solar design platform that models local tariffs, FiT revenue, and shading on tight urban roofs. Model payback automatically, then generate solar proposals in minutes. Check pricing or book a demo to see how SurgePV handles Hong Kong projects.
Quick Answer
Hong Kong’s 2026 solar incentives center on the Feed-in Tariff Scheme, which pays HK$4/kWh for systems up to 10 kW, HK$3/kWh for 10–200 kW, and HK$2.5/kWh for 200 kW–1 MW until end-2033. The city also offers Renewable Energy Certificates, gross-metering sales to CLP and HK Electric, and streamlined approvals for rooftop and car-park solar.
In this guide:
- Latest 2026 status of Hong Kong’s active solar incentives
- How the Feed-in Tariff Scheme works and who qualifies
- Gross FiT versus net metering: the key difference
- RE Certificates and how they interact with the FiT
- Current electricity tariffs from CLP and HK Electric
- Commercial, industrial, and residential project economics
- Government pilots: BIPV, floating solar, and car-park canopies
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- What happens after the 2033 deadline
Latest Updates: Hong Kong Solar Incentives 2026
Hong Kong’s solar policy in 2026 is stable but time-bound. The FiT Scheme is still the main financial driver, the 2033 deadline is approaching, and the government is expanding demonstration projects rather than introducing new subsidies.
Hong Kong Solar Incentive Status — June 2026
| Incentive | Type | Status | Key Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed-in Tariff Scheme | Premium power purchase | Active until end-2033 | HK$4/kWh ≤10 kW; HK$3/kWh 10–200 kW; HK$2.5/kWh 200 kW–1 MW |
| Gross metering | Billing mechanism | Active | Sell all generation at FiT; buy all consumption at retail |
| Renewable Energy Certificates | Voluntary certificate | Active | HK$0.5/kWh premium; revenue offsets FiT tariff impact |
| RE at government buildings | Public capital program | Active | HK$3 billion earmarked since 2017-18 |
| BIPV pilot at EMSD Headquarters | Technology pilot | Operational from mid-2025 | HK$6.5 million; one-year data collection |
| Solar car-park canopy facilitation | Planning facilitation | Active | Gross floor area exemptions, faster approvals |
| Floating solar and landfill pilots | Demonstration projects | In development | Shek Pik Reservoir, San Tin Polder, SENT Landfill |
| FiT extension beyond 2033 | Policy signal | Unlikely | Secretary for Environment & Ecology has said extension is slim |
Key Changes Since 2025
Tariff reductions in 2026: From 1 January 2026, CLP Power’s average net tariff falls 2.6% to 140.6 cents per kWh and HK Electric’s falls 2.2% to 163.3 cents per kWh, according to news.gov.hk (2025). Lower retail tariffs slightly reduce the value of self-consumption, but the FiT premium remains well above retail rates for small systems.
BIPV pilot completed: The EMSD Headquarters building-integrated photovoltaics pilot began installation in January 2025 and was completed in July 2025. It will collect one year of operational data on power generation, indoor cooling benefits, and maintenance costs. The estimated project cost is HK$6.5 million, according to the Legislative Council (2025).
Solar car-park canopies approved: The government has introduced facilitation measures, including gross floor area exemptions and faster approvals, for solar canopies over outdoor car parks. Hong Kong Disneyland completed the first phase of a 200 kW bifacial canopy in February 2025. The full project will use close to 400 panels and generate more than 200,000 kWh per year, according to China Daily Hong Kong (2025).
No FiT extension expected: In November 2024, the Secretary for Environment & Ecology told lawmakers that the chance of extending the FiT Scheme beyond 2033 is slim. The reason given is that global and mainland markets are moving away from renewable energy subsidies as costs fall, according to news.gov.hk (2024).
Key Takeaway
2026 is a mid-to-late-cycle year for Hong Kong solar. The FiT is still attractive, especially for small systems, but every project must be sized and approved with the 2033 deadline in mind. New subsidies are unlikely, so economics must work without them.
Why Hong Kong’s Solar Market Matters in 2026
Hong Kong has limited flat land and a cloudy, typhoon-prone summer, but it also has very high electricity tariffs, a large stock of commercial rooftops, and strong government climate targets. These factors make rooftop and building-integrated solar viable in the right locations.
Market Size and Targets
Solar still supplies a small share of Hong Kong’s electricity. As of September 2024, approved FiT projects accounted for about 0.85% of CLP’s fuel mix and 0.03% of HK Electric’s fuel mix, according to news.gov.hk (2024). The government’s target is to meet 1% to 2% of Hong Kong’s electricity demand with solar by 2035.
The Climate Action Plan 2050 aims to raise the share of renewable energy in the electricity fuel mix from less than 1% at present to 7.5% to 10% by 2035. It also targets zero-carbon energy at 60% to 70% of the fuel mix before 2035, according to GovHK (2025). Nuclear imports from the mainland will deliver most of the zero-carbon share, but distributed solar is expected to contribute the local renewable portion.
The High-Tariff Driver
Hong Kong’s electricity tariffs are among the highest in Asia. In 2026, CLP’s average net tariff is 140.6 cents per kWh and HK Electric’s is 163.3 cents per kWh. This makes self-consumption valuable, but the FiT is even more valuable for small systems because it pays HK$4/kWh for generation up to 10 kW. That is roughly 2.4 to 2.8 times the retail tariff.
For commercial buildings with large daytime loads, a rooftop system can both earn FiT revenue and reduce the amount of electricity bought at retail rates. The gross FiT structure means the two value streams are separate but additive.
How the Feed-in Tariff Scheme Works
The FiT Scheme is the core incentive. It was introduced in 2018 under the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the government and the two power companies in April 2017.
Eligibility and Size Limits
Any non-governmental body or individual can install a distributed renewable energy system at their premises. The system must:
- Be located within CLP’s or HK Electric’s supply area.
- Have a generating capacity of up to 1 MW.
- Be connected to the relevant power company’s grid.
- Meet electricity safety, building safety, fire safety, land, planning, and business registration requirements.
Projects built before the FiT Scheme began can also join. There is no minimum size, though practical economics favor systems above a few kilowatts.
FiT Rates by System Size
| System Size | FiT Rate (HKD/kWh) | Effective From |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kW | HK$4.00 | 27 April 2022 |
| Above 10 kW to 200 kW | HK$3.00 | 27 April 2022 |
| Above 200 kW to 1 MW | HK$2.50 | 27 April 2022 |
The rate is locked in when the project joins the scheme. It stays the same for the project life or until end-2033, whichever comes first. This gives small residential and commercial systems the strongest returns.
Gross FiT: Sell All, Buy All
Hong Kong uses gross FiT, not net metering. Under gross FiT:
- The power company pays the FiT rate for every kWh the system generates.
- The owner pays the normal retail tariff for every kWh consumed on site.
- The two flows are billed separately.
This is different from net metering, where exported kWh offset imported kWh on a single bill. In Hong Kong, a system that generates 1,000 kWh and consumes 800 kWh earns FiT on all 1,000 kWh and pays retail on all 800 kWh. For small systems, the FiT rate is high enough that this structure is still favorable.
Application Process
The practical steps are:
- Submit a grid connection and FiT application to CLP or HK Electric.
- Obtain electrical safety approval from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
- Satisfy building safety requirements from the Buildings Department.
- Follow Fire Services Department advice on equipment and access.
- Address land and planning matters if needed.
- Register the business if the applicant is a company.
The EMSD’s HK RE Net provides a flowchart and FAQ. Installers should start the grid application early, because approval timelines can stretch in busy districts.
Renewable Energy Certificates and Other Programs
The FiT is not the only policy tool. RE Certificates and government demonstration projects also shape the market.
Renewable Energy Certificates
RE Certificates represent units of electricity from local renewable sources. They are sold by the power companies to customers who want to claim that their operations are carbon-free. The current price is a HK$0.5 per kWh premium on top of the normal electricity tariff, according to GovHK (2024).
The revenue from RE Certificate sales is used to reduce the overall tariff impact of the FiT Scheme on all consumers. This means RE Certificates do not directly subsidize a private solar owner, but they support the policy framework that makes the FiT possible.
For corporate buyers, RE Certificates are a simple way to meet sustainability targets without installing panels. For solar owners, the more relevant instrument is the FiT itself.
Government-Led Demonstration Projects
The government has earmarked HK$3 billion since 2017-18 for small-scale renewable energy facilities at government buildings, venues, and facilities. About HK$2.2 billion has been approved for more than 250 projects, expected to generate about 26 million kWh per year, according to news.gov.hk (2024).
Other demonstration projects include:
- Floating solar on Shek Pik Reservoir and expansion at San Tin Polder.
- A 1 MW pilot solar farm at the SENT Landfill in Tseung Kwan O.
- BIPV at the EMSD Headquarters.
- Solar car-park canopies, starting with Hong Kong Disneyland.
These projects are meant to test technologies, collect data, and create reference cases for private developers. They are not direct subsidies for residential or commercial rooftop solar.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Economics
Project economics depend on system size, tariff zone, roof quality, and whether the building is owner-occupied or leased.
Residential Rooftop Solar
Most Hong Kong homes are apartments, so standalone residential rooftop solar is rare. Village houses in the New Territories are the main exception. A typical 5 kW system on a village house roof might:
- Generate 5,500 to 6,500 kWh per year.
- Earn HK$4/kWh under the ≤10 kW FiT band.
- Produce annual FiT revenue of HK$22,000 to HK$26,000.
- Pay back in roughly 8 to 12 years if installed cost is HK$40,000 to HK$60,000 per kW.
Because the FiT is gross, the owner still pays retail for all electricity consumed. The financial case is strongest when the roof is unshaded and the owner has cash to avoid financing costs.
Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar
Commercial and industrial buildings are usually better candidates. They have larger roofs, higher daytime consumption, and professional maintenance. A 100 kW system on a factory or warehouse might:
- Generate 110,000 to 130,000 kWh per year.
- Earn HK$3/kWh in the 10–200 kW FiT band.
- Produce annual FiT revenue of HK$330,000 to HK$390,000.
- Pay back in 7 to 10 years depending on installation cost and roof condition.
For C&I projects, the design priorities are roof structural load, shading from nearby towers, water-proofing, and access for cleaning. A detailed shadow analysis and structural check are essential before quoting.
Solar Car-Park Canopies
Car-park canopies are an emerging use case. They do not require additional roof space and can use bifacial panels to capture reflected light. The Disneyland project shows the model: a 200 kW canopy with close to 400 bifacial panels generating over 200,000 kWh per year, according to China Daily Hong Kong (2025).
For property managers, canopies offer three benefits: solar revenue, shaded parking, and a visible sustainability asset. The new facilitation measures make approval faster than for traditional rooftop installations in some cases.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Hong Kong’s small market and strict building rules create specific pitfalls.
Assuming Net Metering
Many international installers expect net metering, where exports offset imports on a single bill. Hong Kong uses gross FiT. This changes the optimal system size and the customer’s expected cash flow. Proposals must show FiT revenue and retail consumption as two separate lines.
Ignoring the 2033 Deadline
Systems connected in 2026 have only about seven years of guaranteed FiT payments left. A project that relies on a 10-year payback may not recover its cost before the scheme ends. Run the financial model with FiT revenue stopping at end-2033 and show the post-FiT economics clearly.
Underestimating Approval Time
Grid connection, building safety, and fire safety approvals can take months. In dense districts, the Buildings Department may require structural calculations or facade assessments. Build realistic timelines into contracts and customer expectations.
Overlooking Shading and Space
Hong Kong’s high-rise environment creates shading that changes throughout the day. A roof that looks clear at noon may be shaded in the morning or afternoon. Accurate 3D modeling and hourly production estimates are essential. Modern solar design software can model this before installation.
Forgetting Post-2033 Value
After 2033, generated electricity belongs to the owner. The value then depends on self-consumption at retail rates, any successor scheme, or corporate power purchase arrangements. Projects that do not work without the FiT should be flagged as higher risk.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s 2026 solar incentives are narrow but clear. The Feed-in Tariff Scheme pays HK$4/kWh for small systems, HK$3/kWh for mid-size commercial systems, and HK$2.5/kWh for systems up to 1 MW. RE Certificates, government demonstration projects, and new planning facilitations add context but not direct subsidy. The FiT expires at end-2033 and is unlikely to be extended.
For solar professionals, the winning approach is to move fast, model accurately, and size projects that pay back before the deadline. High electricity tariffs and premium FiT rates still make many projects viable, but only if approvals, shading, and post-2033 economics are handled correctly.
SurgePV’s solar design software, shadow analysis, and generation and financial tool can model Hong Kong’s gross FiT, CLP and HK Electric tariffs, and urban shading in one workflow. Generate solar proposals in minutes and book a demo to see how it works.
Three actions to take now:
- Check the FiT band before sizing — a 9 kW system earns HK$4/kWh, while an 11 kW system earns HK$3/kWh. The band boundary changes project returns.
- Model post-2033 economics — assume FiT revenue ends in 2033 and confirm the project still makes sense.
- Start approvals early — grid connection, building safety, and fire safety reviews take time in Hong Kong’s dense regulatory environment.
For payback comparisons across Asia-Pacific markets, see our solar payback period by country guide. For installers scaling across the region, our guide for solar installers covers proposal automation and compliance workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar incentives are available in Hong Kong in 2026?
Hong Kong’s main 2026 solar incentive is the Feed-in Tariff Scheme, which pays HK$4/kWh for systems up to 10 kW, HK$3/kWh for 10–200 kW, and HK$2.5/kWh for 200 kW to 1 MW until end-2033. The city also has Renewable Energy Certificates at HK$0.5/kWh, gross-metering sales to CLP and HK Electric, and government-led pilots for building-integrated photovoltaics and car-park canopies.
Does Hong Kong have net metering for solar?
Hong Kong does not use traditional net metering. Instead, it uses a gross feed-in tariff. The power company pays the generator for every kilowatt-hour produced at the FiT rate, while the owner pays the normal retail tariff for electricity consumed on site. This is sometimes called a gross metering or sell-all, buy-all arrangement.
What are the current feed-in tariff rates in Hong Kong?
The prevailing FiT rates, effective from 27 April 2022, are HK$4 per kWh for systems up to 10 kW, HK$3 per kWh for systems above 10 kW up to 200 kW, and HK$2.5 per kWh for systems above 200 kW up to 1 MW. The rate is fixed for the project life or until end-2033, whichever comes first.
When does the Hong Kong Feed-in Tariff Scheme end?
The FiT Scheme runs until end-2033, the expiry date of the current Scheme of Control Agreements with CLP Power and Hongkong Electric Company. The Secretary for Environment & Ecology has stated that the chance of extension beyond 2033 is slim, because renewable energy subsidies are being phased out globally as technology costs fall.
Who is eligible for the Hong Kong feed-in tariff?
Any non-governmental body or individual that installs a distributed renewable energy system at their premises within CLP’s or HK Electric’s supply area can apply. The system must be connected to the relevant power company’s grid and have a capacity of up to 1 MW. Projects built before the FiT Scheme began can also participate.
What are Renewable Energy Certificates in Hong Kong?
Renewable Energy Certificates represent units of electricity from local renewable sources. They are sold by the power companies at a premium of HK$0.5 per kWh above the normal electricity price. Revenue from RE Certificate sales is used to reduce the overall tariff impact of the FiT Scheme on all consumers.
How long does it take to pay back a solar system in Hong Kong?
Well-designed rooftop solar systems in Hong Kong typically pay back in 8 to 12 years under the current FiT rates, depending on system size, installation cost, roof orientation, shading, and whether the project is on CLP or HK Electric tariffs. The FiT is designed to help owners recover investment in around 10 years.
Can commercial buildings benefit from solar incentives in Hong Kong?
Yes. Commercial and industrial buildings are often the best candidates because they have large, unobstructed rooftops and daytime electricity consumption. Systems up to 1 MW can join the FiT Scheme. Larger projects must negotiate power purchase arrangements or supply structures outside the standard FiT route.
What are the main barriers to rooftop solar in Hong Kong?
The main barriers are limited roof space, shading from nearby buildings, split ownership in multi-unit buildings, fire safety and building department approvals, and the approaching 2033 FiT deadline. High electricity tariffs and the FiT premium still make many projects viable, but early grid connection application is important.
What is the government doing to promote solar beyond the FiT Scheme?
The government has earmarked HK$3 billion since 2017-18 for renewable energy facilities at government buildings, is running a pilot building-integrated photovoltaics project at EMSD Headquarters, and is exploring floating solar, restored landfill solar farms, and solar car-park canopies. These projects are intended to demonstrate feasibility and create reference data for private developers.
