Deployment of PV systems in Japan: The opportunities and challenges of new feed-in tariff program

In Japan, PV system market has been dominated by residential application because the national government has been implementing subsidy programs for residential PV systems. In July 2012, new Feed-in Tariff Program will start and it is expected that this new incentive program will completely change the market segment of PV system in Japan. Especially it will drive non-residential sector including utility scale applications. It is also assumed that MW scale PV power plants will contribute to the energy situations after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Nuclear power plant failures. This paper will describe opportunity and challenges of deployment of PV system in Japan especially focusing on opportunities and challenges of the PV market after implementation of new Feed-in Tariff Program.