Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

REC expands Japanese module business

While most recent news from Norwegian polysilicon and module producer REC, has involved it scaling back its higher-cost manufacturing operations, the company has signaled its intentions to move into the Japanese market.

Ground-mounted systems and large commercial rooftops could be big growth areas for Japanese PV under the new FIT scheme. Image: Flickr/gine.

Targeting expanded module sales, REC yesterday announced the move on the first day of the of PV Japan trade show. REC will target increased module sales in Japan - through its existing silicon sales office in Tokyo.

REC also announced that it will provide one megawatt (MW) of modules to solar power plant project in the Ehime Prefecture.

Luc Graré, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing Cells & Modules, REC stated: "We are committed to investing further in Japan and looks forward to the implementation of the new FIT that will help to finance large scale commercial and industrial installations."

Tokyo-based Public Policy expert Andrew DeWit says that REC’s move is part of a growing trend that will see more PV players move into the Japanese market ahead of the FIT coming into effect on July 1, 2012. "They’re one of a number eager to get into the game," DeWit told pv magazine.