Japan

Japanese electronics giant, Sony has become the latest major organization to commit to a 100% renewable energy target for all of its operations. The company has joined the RE100, a global NGO initiative promoting renewable energy, and plans to reach its target by 2040.

The new policy would come into force in late 2019. PV players are warning the rule exacerbates costs and slows deployment but similar policies are in place for other types of renewables, and in most markets worldwide.

Chinese solar manufacturer reports a similar scale of first-half losses to the $15m profit it posted this time last year. Will the company’s decision to almost double module production capacity prove an inspired move or a mistimed disaster?

The Japanese government said the recent publication of a quality-evaluation guide for solar projects will ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s PV sector, partly by improving maintenance standards, while serving as a potential boon for investment in the relatively dormant secondary market for operational installations.

Pacifico Energy is set to commence construction on two utility-scale PV projects totaling 112 MW and 72 MW, respectively, while Trina Solar is working on a 29 MW plant.

As the global EV market grows, manufacturers are seeking new revenue streams for used EV batteries. Applications in grid and residential storage systems have become popular. The market for second-life EV batteries is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2025.

With a group purchasing program securing hefty discounts for British households – and attracting thousands of potential customers as a result – solar has a viable business case no matter what further cuts the government throws at the industry.

The Japanese PV industry should respond to the government’s recent decision to leave its 2030 energy mix targets unchanged by pushing for a higher share of solar in the next version of the country’s strategic energy plan, according to a new report.

Japanese electronics company & cell/module manufacturer, Kyocera has reported improved overall financials for the first quarter of the Japanese financial year, with a 12.3% increase in revenues. For the company’s activities in solar, however, signs are less encouraging.

Primearth EV Energy (PEVE) announces large-scale lithium-ion battery plans, Germany’s saferay receives financing for a 50 MW PV project, and RTS Corporation provides an update on Japan’s solar auctions.