Japanese Solar Energy

Solar energy is gaining momentum in Japan, where the solar market is experiencing a period of rapid growth. Japan has long been interested in alternative energy because of its economic and environmental implications. The country is home to one of the most ambitious and powerful hydrogen energy systems and has been using geothermal energy for decades.

In 2009, Japan sought to revitalize a subsidy program to boost the residential solar power industry. Support for alternative energy has been booming throughout the country. Much of this support was sparked by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis of March 2011. The Japanese government chose to pursue alternatives to nuclear power in light of the catatstrophe, which threatened the health and safety of millions of Japanese citizens. Since that time, much of the government’s focus in terms of energy has been concentrated on hydrogen, geothermal and solar power. The government is looking to make solar power even more viable and attractive to citizens by revamping its feed-in tariff program.

The new feed-in tariff plan is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2012. According to the plan, the Japanese government will not only buy excess energy generated through renewable means, but all energy from solar installations that exceeds a 10 kilowatt standard.