Japanese government hails new quality guidelines for PV projects
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.
Construction commences on 213 MW of solar in Japan
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.
Kyocera to supply batteries, home energy systems for virtual power plant in Japan
Kyocera will participate in a new project in northern Japan to test how flexibly electricity suppliers can respond to fluctuations in energy supply and demand.
Japanese government must be more unified in pursuit of PV goals — report
The Japanese government is steadily working toward the release of the country’s fifth strategic energy plan, but it needs to work with the private sector more effectively to promote the deployment of solar over the coming decades, according to a new report.
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.
Japan: Disappointing first auction; plans for 200 GW solar by 2050
Japan’s first solar PV auction has reaped disappointing results, with just 41 MW set to be developed. Under the revised FIT, meanwhile, 27.7 GW were cancelled. Despite this, JPEA is aiming for 200 GW of solar PV installs by 2050. Overall, cumulative installed capacity has reached over 40 GW. There are still many plans afoot for large-scale projects, although it is the rooftop sector, which holds the most promise.
Japan may surpass 2030 PV target of 64 GW within two years — RTS
Japan may reach its 2030 solar installation target of 64 GW about 10 years ahead of schedule, according to a new report by PV consulting firm, RTS Corp.
Canadian Solar awarded 17 MW in Japan’s first large-scale solar auction
Canadian Solar Inc. has won a contract for 17.87 MWp in Japan’s first auction for large-scale solar projects. A total of 141.3 MW was awarded last month.
Japan’s METI awards 140 MW in first PV auction — report
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has awarded 140 MW of solar capacity to eight companies across nine locations, with the lowest bid coming in at JPY 17.2 ($0.15)/kWh, according to a local media report.
Panasonic to build PV-powered residential microgrid in western Japan
PanaHome, a unit of Panasonic, has revealed plans to connect 117 homes in western Japan to a solar-powered microgrid system, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
