Japan Solar Update: No.211 (July 27 ~ 31, 2026)
With delays in implementation toward the 2030 target, attention is focused on the types of solar power projects to be prioritized in the upcoming FIT/FIP system, as well as the direction of support for expanding adoption
<Key points>
- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) established the Subcommittee on Making Renewable Energy a Main Power Source and presented a direction to not only quantitatively expand deployment of renewable energy but also advance it qualitatively to a high level, thereby truly making it a main power source
- As of the end of December 2025, PV installed capacity has reached 78 GW, and it is necessary to continue introducing 5 – 8 GW annually to achieve the 2030 target (103.5 – 117.6 GW)
- METI plans to advance examination of classification of PV systems in harmony with local communities, for which it will strengthen support
Purpose of establishment of the Subcommittee
It is important to make maximum use of renewable energy from the perspective of energy security and decarbonization
- While renewable energy deployment has been expanding mainly driven by PV power generation, social acceptance has declined, due to the issues of PV development failing to ensure harmony with local communities
- Challenges to overcome in expanding deployment, such as promoting deployment with non-FIT/FIP PV systems and long-term stable operation in the post-FIT period
By not only quantitatively expanding renewable energy but also advancing it qualitatively to a high level, it is aimed to truly make renewable energy a main power source
Status of PV installations
* Installed capacities include 5.6 GW of pre-FIT installations; FIT/FIP approved and commissioned capacities are preliminary figures, etc.
Challenges to PV power generation and responses
Expansion of rooftop and ground-mounted installations (Agri-PV, installations in infrastructure spaces, etc.)
METI plans to conduct detailed examination of classification of PV systems in harmony with local communities, for which it will strengthen support.
Figure 1 Overview of discussions by the Subcommittee on Making Renewable Energy a Main Power Source
Source: Materials of the 1st meeting of the Subcommittee on Making Renewable Energy a Main Power Source (June 3, 2026), compiled by RTS Corporation