Solar cell shipments in Japan rise 31% in Q2 2011

Aug 26, 2011 - Shipments of solar cells on the Japanese market rose by 30.7% year-on-year to 258.6 MW in the second quarter of 2011, driven by worries over power shortages after March 11 and the nuclear crisis in Fukushima.

Shipments of solar cells for residential projects reached 224.6 MW, up 25.4% on the year, according to data by the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA).

Shipments of solar cells for non-residential projects, developed by schools, companies and public organisations, jumped by 89.2% to 26.1 MW.

JPEA expects even bigger demand as many Japanese companies and institutions are planning to build solar power facilities.

Photovoltaic installations have turned rather attractive following the March 11 earthquake and the subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan. Several domestic companies, including mobile operator Softbank Corp, Tokio Marine Asset Management and Mitsui & Co have unveiled plans to build large-scale solar power projects at home. Moreover, a bill that calls for utilities to purchase all renewable energy produced by third parties at fixed rates recently passed Japan's lower house of parliament.

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