August 4, 2009
Government pushes solar photovoltaic power generation as alternative energy
| The solar photovoltaic power generation systems for housing are causing a stir of excitement in the industry. This alternative green energy source is attracting attention, because of no carbon dioxide emissions. The government has introduced a variety of support measures for the installation of solar power generation systems for residences. In the past, the solar panel was flat and clumsy, but panel makers have recently launched new lines of products that are better looking, some reminiscent of roof tiles. See-through panels are available for the use on glass doors, like balcony doors, or for skylights. A film-shaped bendable panel of a mere 1mm thickness will also go on the market. The new "Prius" hybrid car, from Toyota Motor Co., with sunroof, contains solar panels and attracted audiences at a motor exhibition held at the end of June. The energy generated by the solar powered panels rotate the fan, which ventilates air to avoid raising car temperatures. This optional sunroof is available at about 220,000 yen ($2,300 US dollars). KDDI (au), one of Japan’s major cell phone carriers, launched their new mobile phone with a solar panel; retail price is under 50,000 yen ($500 US dollars). Even if there is no battery charge, the solar panel makes a one-minute phone call possible after recharging for 10 minutes in sunlight. The first solar power generation system for home electricity in Japan took place in 1993. At that time, it cost 6 to 10 million yen ($100,000 US dollars) to have a system that could generate electricity from solar power. This system could generate 3 kilowatts, the average power needed to supply a typical home (lighting, air conditioning and a refrigerator); therefore only a fraction of the affluent could install it in their homes. The central government introduced installation subsidies to install solar panels in January. Thanks to the government support program and technological innovation, the cost of installing solar power panels for houses has decreased to less than 2 million yen ($20,000 US dollars). Local governments will also launch subsidies. If you live in Shinjyuku, outside of Tokyo, and install the system generating electricity of 3 kilowatts, for example, you are able to receive $210,000 yen ($2,000 US dollars) from the central government, 300,000 yen ($3,000 US dollars) from the Tokyo metropolitan government and 540,000 yen ($5,400 US dollars) from the Shinjyuku ward. The out-of-pocket cost can decrease to less than half the original cost. The number of applications for the subsidies during the months of January to June was over 40,000 with momentum exceeding the record high. |
