Japan to install up to 7 GW in 2018 despite cancellation of 14.6 GW of approved capacity — report
Japan will likely install 6 GW to 7.5 GW (DC) of solar in 2018, from about 7 GW in 2017, despite government efforts to cancel approvals for projects that were registered under the country’s old feed-in tariff (FIT) program, according to a new report.
Panasonic to begin direct sales of solar cells
The Japanese electronics giant announces plans to sell solar cells individually this year, but confirms it is poised to halt module production at its fab in Shiga, Japan, in March.
Pacifico starts construction on 55 MW PV plant in Japan
Pacifico Energy has commenced construction on a 55 MW solar PV plant in Gifu Prefacture, Japan. It is expected to be operational in 2019.
Kyocera’s net income falls 17% to $261.7 million in Q3
Kyocera posted a net profit of JPY 28,880 million ($261.7 million) in the third quarter of the current Japanese fiscal year, down 16.8% year on year, as the group continued to consolidate its PV manufacturing operations in the face of falling sales in its home market.
Japan: Moixa, Itochu partner on energy storage platform, announce £5 million investment
Moixa has partnered with Japanese trading house, Itochu to market its GridShare platform in Japan. The latter has also invested £5 million in the U.K. residential battery developer to fund further international expansion. The U.S. and Europe are on its radar.
SolarEdge taps Omron for roll-out of three-phase, HV inverter solution in Japan
SolarEdge’s new three-phase, DC-optimized and high-voltage inverter and monitoring solution to enter the Japanese market in March via distribution partnership with domestic inverter specialist Omron.
Kyocera completes large-scale and floating PV projects in Japan
Kyocera TCL Solar LLC has completed work on a 21.1 MW solar PV plant in Japan’s Hagi City. Operations have also begun on five of the company’s floating solar power plants. Meanwhile, in light of decreasing FITs, it provides an update on its shifting solar focus.
Partners Group sells majority stake in Japan Solar
The stake in a 610 MW platform comprising Japanese solar power assets was sold to a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners, a U.S. infrastructure investment fund.
Canadian Solar fund acquires two Japanese solar projects, raises $8.2m loan
The Japanese infrastructure arm of Canadian Solar, Canadian Solar Asset Management, has acquired ownership of two large-scale Japanese solar farms, while also taking out a loan of JPY 900 million.
Japan: Plans for 480 MW PV project advance
Five new parties have jumped onboard the 480 MW solar PV project, set to be located on the Japanese island of Ukujima. Around US$1.80 billion will be invested, with construction slated for FY 2019.
