Knesset unveils solar field on roof

The Knesset unveiled on Sunday a solar field on its roof and those of surrounding buildings that will be able to produce up to a third of the Israeli parliament’s energy.

During a ceremony announcing the beginning of the field’s operation, Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud) said “what we see here is truly exciting, a real revolution.

“It is not only a revolution of energy and economic use of it, but a turning point in all that relates to the change in awareness for the past two years,” he added.

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The ceremony was hosted by radio personality Avri Gilad, who said the solar field was “an opportunity for a new beginning at the entry point to the heart, imagination and creativity of all citizens of the state and especially youths. The Knesset has a garden and large roof, as well as employees with a big heart – all these things make it the greenest place in Israel, and this heralds good things for Israel.”

An aerial view of the Knesset showcasing the solar panels on its roof and on adjacent buildings. The panels will be able to produce up to a third of the Knesset’s energy consumption. (photo credit: Courtesy Knesset)

“One can see how a house of elected representatives can change a whole nation. I hope the green will descend from the roof to the rooms of the Knesset committees and influence parliamentary activity,” Gilad added.

At the end of the ceremony Edelstein and Knesset Diriector-General Ronen Flut recognized MKs Dov Khenin (Hadash), Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) and Zevulun Kalfa (Jewish Home) for their environmental advocacy during their service in the outgoing 19th Knesset. Flut himself, who leads the Green Knesset project, was also given a certificate acknowledging his efforts.