Japan plans to tighten laws around large-scale solar
Japan is set to impose stricter environmental oversight on future large-scale solar projects. The government may also discontinue financial support under its feed-in tariff and feed-in premium schemes for large, ground-mounted solar beginning April 2027.
Belgium’s Virya Energy acquires BayWa re’s Japan solar business
Virya Energy will leverage BayWa re’s local team in Japan to strengthen its position in the country’s lucrative power purchase agreement (PPA) market. The Belgian company will also rely on its Asian affiliate, Constant Energy, headquartered in Thailand.
Japanese projects to pilot solar on low load-bearing roofs, BIPV windows
A partnership between PXP Inc and Tokyo Gas Co is working on developing film-type chalcopyrite solar cells for industrial roofs with low load-bearing capacity. Elsewhere, a coalition of partners is installing inner windows featuring perovskite solar cells at Tokyo’s Telecom Center Building.
Research shows how Japan’s PV market suffered from high feed-in tariffs
A team of researchers based in Japan and Sweden have found a correlation between higher feed-in tariffs and increased capital expenditures of solar projects in Japan. They suggest this may have led to a lack of incentive for developers to innovate or reduce costs, in turn inflating expenditure and hindering long-term market competitiveness.
Hexa Renewables, Marubeni partner for 100 MW of solar in Japan
A strategic partnership between independent power producer Hexa Renewables and Japanese trading house Marubeni will see up to 100 MW of solar projects developed across Japan by the end of 2028.
Shizen Energy, Smfl Mirai Partners buy 18.6 MW floating solar portfolio in Japan
Shizen Energy and Smfl Mirai Partners have jointly acquired energy company Mizuta Koichi from France’s Ciel & Terre, along with its portfolio of twelve floating solar assets located across Japan.
Enfinity Global secures $162.4 million for 250 MW solar portfolio in Japan
Enfinity Global has closed $162.4 million in financing for a 250 MW solar portfolio in Japan. The seven utility-scale projects are expected to produce 300 GWh of clean energy per year.
Japan reports radio interference from PV systems
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications says that since 2021, it has received 44 reports of unwanted radio wave emissions from solar power systems, including interference with defense facilities and emergency wireless equipment. The ministry warns that PV systems may be removed by law if they continue to cause problems.
SolarDuck, Tokyu Land install Japanese floating solar pilot
SolarDuck and Tokyu Land have installed a floating solar demonstration unit in Japan. This project is billed as the nation’s first offshore floating solar power plant on the surface of the ocean and will be used to power electric vehicles and boats.
Shizen Energy takes full ownership of Juwi joint ventures
Japan’s Shizen Energy has acquired all shares of renewable contractors juwi Shizen Energy and juwi Shizen Energy Operation, its two joint venture companies with Germany’s Juwi GmbH.
