Domestic photovoltaic power generation. Focusing on roofs and farmland as suitable land dwindles
As SGDs attract attention, how to secure sustainable energy is an important proposition. By fiscal 2030, we will reduce emissions by 26.0% compared to fiscal 2013 (25.4% compared to fiscal 2005) (approximately 1,042 million t-CO2 In order to achieve ), it will be necessary to make greater use of natural energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal power, and combine them with large-scale storage batteries that absorb weather fluctuations.
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system has promoted the installation of solar panels by households and new businesses, and the panels themselves have become considerably cheaper due to the effect of mass production. However, the topography of the Japanese archipelago is rich in undulations, and mountains, including volcanic areas and hills, occupy about 75% of the country's land area (Geospatial Information Authority of Japan). It has also been pointed out that cutting down trees, cutting open slopes and installing solar panels will reduce the water retention capacity of the land, and the risk of causing new disasters. Therefore, it is a challenge to secure a place to install solar panels.
Rooftop solar power for companies, high price purchase 20-30% higher than flat land
From fiscal 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will start a system for companies to purchase electricity from solar panels installed on the roofs of factories and warehouses at a high price. fixed price purchase
From fiscal 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will start a system for companies to purchase electricity from solar panels installed on the roofs of factories and warehouses at a high price. The feed-in tariff system (FIT) is expected to raise the price by 20% to 30% compared to solar power on flat land. There is an urgent need to expand the introduction of renewable energy from the perspective of decarbonization and energy security. The number of suitable places for installing panels is decreasing, which encourages the use of roofs.
Nikkei electronic version
Factories and logistics bases have vast flat roofs. The new system is expected to make use of the remaining suitable land.
In addition, a new type called farming type power generation is also appearing. The idea is to install solar panels on the top of the field and earn income from self-consumption plus electricity sales.
Green tea and solar panels are a great combination Farming-type power generation spreading in Shizuoka
Tea trees are growing well under the solar panels with four-meter-high poles. Distribution service that manufactures and sells pesticide-free matcha (Shizuoka
Tea trees are growing well under the solar panels with four-meter-high poles. A tea plantation of a distribution service (Kikugawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture) that manufactures and sells pesticide-free matcha. The company has been working on farm-based power generation here since 2013.
The company's annual income from selling electricity generated by solar power generation amounts to 30 million yen, accounting for about 10% of sales. Approximately 200 million yen has been invested so far. President Yoshiaki Hattori said, "By the spring of 2023, we will introduce storage batteries and switch all of the tea factory's electricity to renewable energy."
Nikkei electronic version
Of course, depending on the crop, it is not suitable, but in the case of tea, the results show that even if the upper half is covered with a panel, there is no effect on the yield or quality. To achieve the same result with blueberries and kiwifruit, it is necessary to reduce the panel area to 36% of the farmland, so it can be said that tea is suitable for farming type power generation.
In addition, by using 100% renewable energy for self-consumption, the added value of "practicing sustainable agriculture" is added. Eco-conscious overseas buyers are starting to appreciate it, and it will lead to new business possibilities.
Japan is poor in energy resources such as oil and natural gas, but has abundant water and geothermal heat. In addition, because it is surrounded by the sea on all sides, offshore wind power generation is also expected. None of them are suitable for large scale, but if you think about it conversely, you will have dispersed energy sources in various places, and there is also the advantage that you can disperse the risk in the event of a disaster. If we can generate low-cost, efficient power generation through innovation, it will have the potential to be deployed around the world.
