Solar support Japanese development letter

Where can solar power be installed in Japan?

In Japan, where most land is not flat, one way of securing suitable areas for solar power generation is installing next-generation solar cells that can be installed in places where existing photovoltaic cells could not (walls of buildings, factory roofs that can only support small loads, etc.).

Does Nedo have a call for applications for next-generation solar cell development?

NEDO has started the call for applicants for the "next-generation solar cell development" projects today. For more information, please see METI's press release "Call for Applicants Starts for Next-Generation Solar Cell Development Projects."

Can solar energy be used in Japan?

To maximize the use of solar energy and overcome those drawbacks, two promising technologies have been developed: space-based solar power (SBSP) and next-generation flexible solar cells. Japan is making steady progress toward the practical implementation of both.

Can Japan harness the potential of solar power?

Japan’s efforts to harness the potential of solar power, a well-known renewable energy source, will shine a light on humanity’s future. Japan is making steady progress toward the implementation of the groundbreaking technologies of both space-based solar power and flexible solar cells.

What is space-based solar power (SBSP)?

Japan is spearheading the development of two promising technologies to make optimal use of both the Earth and space and fully harness the Sun’s power as electricity: space-based solar power and next-generation flexible solar cells. Left: Diagram of a space-based solar power (SBSP).

How will Japan address energy problems in 2020?

To address these problems, a number of measures were announced in 2020. The Ministry of the Environment (MoE) is planning to initiate a demonstration project to supply the necessary electricity from renewable energy at Minami-Tori-shima, an island located at the easternmost tip of Japan, from FY 2021.