[Special Contents] Solar

in Japanese

Global PV installations reached a record 452 GW in 2024, bringing cumulative capacity to 1,865 GW. The International Energy Agency is forecasting even faster expansion, with growth projected to reach 5,838–6,999 GW by 2030. However, contrary to these global trends, Japan's capacity is in decline. In fiscal year 2023, new capacity fell below 6 GW and cumulative installations are expected to remain at around 90 GW. The cost of solar power generation has dropped to below 10 yen per kWh, making it more cost-effective than thermal or nuclear power, although having previously been higher than global averages. Japan has the opportunity to greatly expand solar power by utilizing the vast potential of rooftops, buildings, and farmlands.

Highlights

Reports (latest)

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  Revitalizing Agriculture with Solar Sharing
  Agri-PV Contributing to Local Prosperity
  18 June 2025

  This report summarizes four key measures for revitalizing agriculture through solar sharing, based on on-site research of projects in Sosa City and 13 other locations, and identifies the major issues to solve for future expansion. Solar sharing not only promotes decarbonization with solar power but also plays a crucial role in reviving the shrinking agriculture. It serves as an effective means to achieve regional revitalization by leveraging renewable energy.

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  Progress in Diversifying the Global Solar PV Supply Chain
  18 December 2024

  This report analyzes progress in diversifying the global solar PV supply chain. It finds that efforts to expand crystalline silicon manufacturing in the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and India, as well as improvements in recycling and the emergence of perovskite – pioneered by Japan, make the solar PV supply chain more robust. 

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