Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced an increase to the country's feed-in-tariff (FIT) rates: Starting April 1, utilities will pay 40 yen (approximately $0.48)/kWh for nonresidential PV installations.
However, the ministry will reduce the FIT rates for residential installations from 48 yen/kWh to 42 yen/kWh, due to lower installation costs, according to Bloomberg.
The decision to revise the rates predates Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the report adds. The proposal was originally made in February.
SOURCE: Bloomberg
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Japanese Expected to Invest Heavily in Solar Power
The recent crisis in Japan has hit the country's power grid with intensity that may take months to rebuild, and could have lasting repercussions on parts of the Japanese economy. It may help spur growth in other power markets, such as alternatives and distributed generation.
New Frost & Sullivan market insights finds that problems with nuclear plants and the grid system can lead Japanese consumers and politicians to demand new solutions. These requests may include non-centralized electricity generation, solar power and micro combined heat and power (micro CHP).
"Japan is already a world leader in green and alternative power research and usage," said Frost & Sullivan energy and environment markets research director Roberta Gamble. "Expanding the market at a faster rate can help spur innovations that increase efficiencies and reduce costs, which can have a global impact in terms of making these technologies more attractive outside of Japan as well."
Alternative energy costs are high compared to traditional solutions, but Japan has a history of aggressive incentives and mandates that help grow the market. This factor, in addition to the nuclear crisis, could lead to further growth in distributed power and solar energy.
"The concerns of nuclear power and an extensive grid system, both of which have been adversely affected by the earthquake and tsunami, may further mobilize national sentiment," said Gamble. "Public officials may be pushed to pursue more aggressive green energy and distributed generation solutions."
source: Frost & Sullivan
New Frost & Sullivan market insights finds that problems with nuclear plants and the grid system can lead Japanese consumers and politicians to demand new solutions. These requests may include non-centralized electricity generation, solar power and micro combined heat and power (micro CHP).
"Japan is already a world leader in green and alternative power research and usage," said Frost & Sullivan energy and environment markets research director Roberta Gamble. "Expanding the market at a faster rate can help spur innovations that increase efficiencies and reduce costs, which can have a global impact in terms of making these technologies more attractive outside of Japan as well."
Alternative energy costs are high compared to traditional solutions, but Japan has a history of aggressive incentives and mandates that help grow the market. This factor, in addition to the nuclear crisis, could lead to further growth in distributed power and solar energy.
"The concerns of nuclear power and an extensive grid system, both of which have been adversely affected by the earthquake and tsunami, may further mobilize national sentiment," said Gamble. "Public officials may be pushed to pursue more aggressive green energy and distributed generation solutions."
source: Frost & Sullivan
P.S. My suggestion is that one of the first place they should build solar power systems is near all their nuclear power plants -- so when the next earthquake damages their nuclear plant and the tsunami washes away their backup electrical system they will be able to still have power from their solar system to pump water and keep the nuclear rods from melting and polluting the planet.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Energy supply the near-term problem for Japanese PV supply chain
The initial reports from a key number of PV manufacturers and suppliers highlighted that little damage to manufacturing operations occurred as a result of the massive earthquake last Friday. However, concern is now focused on the shortage of electricity that affects approximately 45 million people in Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) service area covering Tokyo, Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures.
TEPCO said that its service area would be divided into 5 zones and would need to suspend electricity supply for several hours each day to each zone on a rolling basis.
However, Tokyo is being sparred cuts at the moment as central government, company headquarters and financial institutions are heavily located in the capital city.
The Japanese Government has urged the country to conserve energy for the time being, which was also followed by major industries, resulting in plant closures across the country.
With TEPCO suffering from acute energy transmission shortages due to the shutdown of nuclear reactors along the east coast region of the country, the utility said that rolling blackouts would more than likely remain in place through to the end of April.
However, other power providers such as Tohoku Electric Power Co did not expect to implement blackouts, though it would be constantly evaluating the situation.
A prolonged disruption to power supplies would be expected to disrupt PV manufacturers output over the coming months, though with many in central and southern regions, disruptions could be minimal.
The problem will focus on those suppliers that do become impacted by TEPCO’s rolling blackouts, which would be expected to reduce capacity output during this period and could impact customers in other regions in their ability to continue full production.
In the case of previous major earthquakes in industrialized nations, such as Taiwan, which saw replacement equipment parts and materials hold back a return to full production, long after power supplies were restored.
Thermal processes such as ingot production depends on highly reliable power supplies as the processes have long cycle times. Despite planned blackouts, production would be severely limited or completely curtailed until full restoration of power.
TEPCO said that its service area would be divided into 5 zones and would need to suspend electricity supply for several hours each day to each zone on a rolling basis.
However, Tokyo is being sparred cuts at the moment as central government, company headquarters and financial institutions are heavily located in the capital city.
The Japanese Government has urged the country to conserve energy for the time being, which was also followed by major industries, resulting in plant closures across the country.
With TEPCO suffering from acute energy transmission shortages due to the shutdown of nuclear reactors along the east coast region of the country, the utility said that rolling blackouts would more than likely remain in place through to the end of April.
However, other power providers such as Tohoku Electric Power Co did not expect to implement blackouts, though it would be constantly evaluating the situation.
A prolonged disruption to power supplies would be expected to disrupt PV manufacturers output over the coming months, though with many in central and southern regions, disruptions could be minimal.
The problem will focus on those suppliers that do become impacted by TEPCO’s rolling blackouts, which would be expected to reduce capacity output during this period and could impact customers in other regions in their ability to continue full production.
In the case of previous major earthquakes in industrialized nations, such as Taiwan, which saw replacement equipment parts and materials hold back a return to full production, long after power supplies were restored.
Thermal processes such as ingot production depends on highly reliable power supplies as the processes have long cycle times. Despite planned blackouts, production would be severely limited or completely curtailed until full restoration of power.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Solar Power Generators to Assist with Disaster in Japan
DynGlobal, a US based company dedicated to advanced technology, renewable energy, and solar power solutions announced today that it is supporting the victims of the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan by providing solar powered generators of 600 and 1,000 watts of sustainable power. The DG mobile solar generators can operate more than 24 hours a day depending on the total draw of power.
Self-contained and powered completely by the energy of the sun, these 12-volt system generators can power most life-sustaining electrical equipment including DynGlobal’s water purification systems and recharge telephones, radios, cameras, televisions, small medical devices, computers and mini-refrigerators. The generators are waterproof and airtight and include two USB direct ports and two standard AC outlets for an integrated solar charge. It also features a built-in controller with standard on/off switch and a direct cooling fan.
DynGlobal works closely with the US military, NGOs and non-profits, and US and foreign government agencies to deploy its suite of renewable energy solutions, which includes high-efficiency foldable solar panels and tarps, solar water cooling and solar water purification systems.
Self-contained and powered completely by the energy of the sun, these 12-volt system generators can power most life-sustaining electrical equipment including DynGlobal’s water purification systems and recharge telephones, radios, cameras, televisions, small medical devices, computers and mini-refrigerators. The generators are waterproof and airtight and include two USB direct ports and two standard AC outlets for an integrated solar charge. It also features a built-in controller with standard on/off switch and a direct cooling fan.
DynGlobal works closely with the US military, NGOs and non-profits, and US and foreign government agencies to deploy its suite of renewable energy solutions, which includes high-efficiency foldable solar panels and tarps, solar water cooling and solar water purification systems.
For more information about the company and its products, or for more details and specs on our solar generators email toddrburns@dynglobal.com.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Worlds Largest CIGS Module Production Plant Starts Production
Solar Frontier has started commercial production - on schedule - at its gigawatt-scale Kunitomi factory in Miyazaki, Japan. Launched 16 months after its ground-breaking in September 2009, the new factory is expected to reach full capacity this summer.
According to the company, this facility is the world's largest copper-indium-selenium thin-film solar module production plant. Products manufactured at the facility have obtained certification from Japanese and European standards organizations, and U.S. certification is expected shortly, Solar Frontier adds.
SOURCE: Solar Frontier
According to the company, this facility is the world's largest copper-indium-selenium thin-film solar module production plant. Products manufactured at the facility have obtained certification from Japanese and European standards organizations, and U.S. certification is expected shortly, Solar Frontier adds.
SOURCE: Solar Frontier
Monday, January 31, 2011
Kyocera is Leading Installer of PV on Japan's Schools
Kyocera Corp. says it has now installed more than 1,200 solar power generating systems at public schools in Japan, ranking Kyocera as the No. 1 supplier in this segment of the Japanese market. In the market for school installations in Japan, Kyocera holds over 40% market share.
The use of solar power at schools in Japan has grown exponentially in recent years with the government's School New Deal initiative, which aims to broadly enrich the nation's educational facilities, the company notes. The initiative plans to promptly pursue higher earthquake-resistant building standards and to utilize solar power generation under the broader concepts of improved environmental impact and enhanced information and communications technology.
SOURCE: Kyocera
The use of solar power at schools in Japan has grown exponentially in recent years with the government's School New Deal initiative, which aims to broadly enrich the nation's educational facilities, the company notes. The initiative plans to promptly pursue higher earthquake-resistant building standards and to utilize solar power generation under the broader concepts of improved environmental impact and enhanced information and communications technology.
SOURCE: Kyocera
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sharp to Begin Mass Production of New Single Crystalline Solar Cells
Sharp Corporation has developed a new single crystalline solar cell with what the company says has a high conversion efficiency.
Sharp will begin mass producing this solar cell at an annual production capacity of 200 MW within fiscal year 2010 at its solar cell plant in Green Front Sakai, located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The facility will manufacture from solar cells through to solar modules.
The total investment in the facility will be 15 billion Yen.
This single crystalline solar cell with high conversion efficiency uses a Back Contact structure (electrodes are connected on the back-side), which eliminates the need for electrodes to be set on the front-side. This new structure increases the light-receiving area on the front-side’s surface.
In addition, a new alignment technology (Alignment Sheet system), which reduces the connection resistance between adjacent cells, was also developed. A broad range of applications in the global market, including residential and industrial use, can be anticipated in the future.
Further details about: Sharp Corporation
Friday, October 29, 2010
Introducing the i-Cool Solar Air Conditioning for Trucks
Here's a cool idea: Solar-powered air conditioning system developed for use in trucks.
The "i-Cool Solar" system (available in 2012) was the brainchild of companies Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, ICL Co. Ltd, and Nippon Fruehauf Co. Ltd, who together developed the system, which uses a series of Mitsubishi Chemical photovoltaic (PV) cells on a Nippon Fruehauf mount fixed to the container of the truck to power the air conditioner in the cabin while the truck is stationary.
The new system adds photovoltaic cells to ICL’s “i-Cool,” which was released in May this year. The i-Cool air conditioner stores electricity in the storage battery while the truck is moving and uses it when the truck’s engine is turned off. The addition of solar cells ensures the storage battery is kept fully charged.
When the truck is stationary, the i-Cool Solar system can save around 1.8 liters of light oil per hour, and when moving can save an average of about 1% of fuel per year, depending on weather and driving conditions. For a 10 ton truck this equates to approximately 1,500 liters of light oil saved each year.
The i-Cool Solar system PV cells are thin-film cells mounted on the tops of the wings that are lowered onto the container, an area that provides a relatively large solar collection area. The maximum output of the cells is 900 W and excess power is stored in the battery for use on overcast days.
Mitsubishi Chemical is the largest chemical manufacturing company in Japan, and their calculations estimate that if all the trucks in Japan (around 1.4 million) used the i-Cool Solar system the country’s carbon emissions would be reduced by 1.65 million tons.
The companies plan to run trials of the truck system to enable it to be marketed in 2012. They are also planning a smaller version for use in cars. Japanese company Kyocera is also producing thin-film solar panels for roof-mounting on the next version of the Toyota Prius hybrid car.
Source: PhysOrg.com
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Kyocera to Start Production At Yasu - It's Largest Domestic PV Plant
Kyocera Corporation today announced that it will begin full-scale production at its new Yasu solar cell manufacturing facility in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
The new plant, which was completed in March of this year and has already finished production line testing, is the largest of the company’s domestic manufacturing facilities, and will be producing the company’s highly-efficient multicrystalline silicon solar cells.
The new Yasu Plant employs an enhanced manufacturing line, and will produce solar cells with a 16.9% energy conversion efficiency — one of the world’s highest for mass-produced multicrystalline cells.
In tandem with the company’s existing Shiga Yohkaichi Plant (Japan), the new plant will contribute to meeting Kyocera’s annual production target of 1GW of solar cells by March 2013.
In order to meet expanding global demand, Kyocera is ramping up its annual production to 600MW this fiscal year — an increase of 50 percent over the previous fiscal year. Furthermore, by concentrating on product quality, the company is working to decrease the cost of solar energy by improving cell conversion efficiency and enhancing the company’s own productivity.
The new plant, which was completed in March of this year and has already finished production line testing, is the largest of the company’s domestic manufacturing facilities, and will be producing the company’s highly-efficient multicrystalline silicon solar cells.
The new Yasu Plant employs an enhanced manufacturing line, and will produce solar cells with a 16.9% energy conversion efficiency — one of the world’s highest for mass-produced multicrystalline cells.
In tandem with the company’s existing Shiga Yohkaichi Plant (Japan), the new plant will contribute to meeting Kyocera’s annual production target of 1GW of solar cells by March 2013.
In order to meet expanding global demand, Kyocera is ramping up its annual production to 600MW this fiscal year — an increase of 50 percent over the previous fiscal year. Furthermore, by concentrating on product quality, the company is working to decrease the cost of solar energy by improving cell conversion efficiency and enhancing the company’s own productivity.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Japan to Launch Solar-Sail-Powered Craft
This rendering provided by JAXA depicts what Ikaros
might look like cruising the cosmos with its sail unfurled. JAXA
After lots of talk and testing, Japanese researchers are ready to go space sailing. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced its intention to launch its first "space yacht" propelled by solar sails into the heavens on May 18. Ikaros -- the Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation of the Sun -- will cruise through the solar system powered by solar particles that bounce of its giant, ultra-thin sails.
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