Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. will build Japan’s first 2,000-kW scale next-generation Agro (solar-sharing) PV power plant in Komatsushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, which is scheduled for completion in February 2026. The facility will feature a single-axis tracking system, allowing solar panels to follow the sun’s path from east to west throughout the day and optimize solar energy capture. Prior to this, a demonstration experiment at a 45-kW facility in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture confirmed that rice yields were unaffected and that, by using the tracking system, the system’s annual power generation could match that of conventional PV plants installed on large, sunny, unobstructed land.

The integration of a single-axis tracking system plays a key role. During the farming season, the system dynamically adjusts panel angles based on crop growth and weather conditions. This responsive control helps regulate the amount of sunlight reaching the crops, optimizing photosynthesis, shielding sensitive plants from excessive heat, and conserving soil moisture. Once the harvest is complete, the system shifts to maximize solar power generation by tracking the sun’s position for the highest possible output.

The power plant will also employ bifacial solar modules, capable of generating electricity from both sides of the panel. This technology utilizes reflected sunlight from the ground (albedo) to enhance energy production.

The combination of bifacial modules and tracking systems enables the plant to achieve energy output levels comparable to traditional ground-mounted systems, while still supporting active agricultural use.