都市部の公共エリアのデジタル化で、注目集める独立型太陽光発電システム(Off-grid Solar Applications Effectively Managing Public Areas in Cities)

Published at  Nikkei Technology --- 米国イリノイ州シカゴ市を訪れていた時に、バスの停留所のような形をした物の上に、太陽電池が搭載されているのを見かけた。その横には、スカイブルーの新しい自転車が数台並んでいた。調べてみると、シカゴ市が2013年6月末に始めた「DIVVY」と呼ぶ自転車シェアプログラムで使うためのものだった。今米国ではDIVVYのように、太陽電池を搭載した独立型の電源システムの活用が都市部を中心に進んでいる。どのようなところでも簡単に、短時間で設置できる、という点が最大の特徴だ。今後は、公共エリアのデジタル化の進展にともなって、太陽電池の活躍の場がさらに広がるだろう。... Read More Here

Solar "Smart" Meters by IPS Group

Japan FIT Changes Reflect End of Residential PV Program and Delay in Non-residential Projects

Published at Renewable Energy World --- Changing government policies may cast a shadow over growth of the Japanese PV market. With the strong national government-supported residential rebate and feed-in tariff (FIT) programs, the Japanese PV market has accelerated its growth and is re-emerging as one of the world’s top markets. Past performance, however, is not a guarantee of future success as has often happened in the PV market.

The Japanese federal government is ending the national residential PV subsidy program. The program started 20 years ago and laid a strong foundation for the world’s largest residential PV market. When the program closes its door in March 2014, it is expected to have solarized over 1.5 million residential roofs, or added about 6 GW-worth of PV capacity, in Japan.... Read More Here

Japanese Residential Rooftop System

Japanese Domestic Market Grew by over 200% in 2013

According to the latest data released by Japan Photovoltaic Electric Association (JPEA), Japanese domestic market grew by 204% to 7.5 GW in 2014.

For the first time in the history, the non-residential segment exceeded the residential segment, which used to be a bread-and-butter for the domestic market.

The non-residential segment was over 5.2 GW, up by 535% from 823 MW in 2013. This growth is attributed to the feed-in-tariff program launched in July 2011 to accelerate the domestic PV market to catch up with other countries such as Germany.

Although it is over-shadowed by the growth of the non-residential segment, the residential segment managed to grow by 38% in 2013, helped by domestic consumers aiming at energy independence after the Fukushima disasters.

Japanese PV Annual Market (2009-2013)

“PV with Lot” Sales: A New Form of Personal Investment in Japan

Published at Renewable Energy World --- In the United States, community solar is a growing phenomenon. Those who live in an apartment or don’t have suitable roofs or land are able to invest in, and benefit from, a larger project. In Japan, investing in a “PV with Lot” is becoming popular among individuals who don’t own land and wish to generate extra income from the nation’s feed-in tariff (FIT).

PV with Lot projects are popping up everywhere and individual investors can pick any site, independent from the location of their primary residency. This is similar to solar securitization and solar crowdfunding as an individual investment tool for solar, but it is different because individuals have actual ownership over solar projects.... Read More Here

PV with Lot Project by Nippon Eco System