Generation capacity of solar energy Japan 2013-2022

In 2022, the generation capacity of solar energy in Japan amounted to more than 78.8 thousand megawatt. Figures increased significantly throughout the past decade, compared to around 13.6 thousand megawatt in 2013.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be less dependent on fossil fuel imports, the Japanese government currently aims to increase the use of renewable energy sources.

 Solar energy represented the largest renewable energy source

In recent years, solar power overtook hydropower as the largest renewable energy source in electricity generation in Japan. Furthermore, solar energy was the source with the highest number of renewable electric power stations. In 2015, the government cut the purchase price of electricity generated from solar energy. Since the sales price of solar photovoltaic modules decreased as well, this resulted in a long-term decline in solar power costs.

 Expansion of renewable energy in Japan

Even though fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal remained the largest energy sources in Japan, the share of renewables in electricity production has continuously increased to close to 20 percent.
Next to solar power, the Japanese government is also investing in offshore wind farms. Wind currently only supplies a small amount of energy in Japan, but large-scale projects are planned in the coming years.