As well, according to Michael Ginsberg, an international correspondent for InterPV magazine, a premier journal for the global solar PV industry, the Japanese government suspended its 12-year subsidies for the installation of residential PV systems program in 2006, opting instead for the promotion of large-scale PV systems. This change caused a major disturbance in the demand for PV and may also account for Japan’s recent decline in PV production capacity.
In response, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has restarted the subsidy program. On March 31st, 2009 METI announced the commencement of application acceptance for residential solar generation installation subsidies, conducted through the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA). According to the press release, the aim of the subsidies is to “encourage the lowering of the price of the residential solar generation systems and to promote expansion of the market with an eye to achieving the objective of solar generation introduction stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan and other documents and enabling a mass of introduction of solar generation.”
The subsidy period officially came into effect on April 1st, 2009, and will last until January 29th, 2010. It will provide 70,000 yen per nominal output of a 1 kW solar cell module for individuals subscribing to electricity service contracts that include solar systems. These systems must have solar cell modules with a conversion efficiency that exceeds the standard value and a maximum output of less than 10 kW at a price of 700,000 yen or less per kW. Overall, the plan is to provide subsidies to about 84,000 cases with a budget of about 20.05 billion yen. METI hopes that 80% of newly built homes will be equipped with solar power systems by 2030.
Asia is growing in importance for the global solar PV industry as countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore are rapidly progressing in their plans to develop and grow their solar industries.
To feel the market demands in this region and get exposure to Asian governments, distributors, installers, project designers and end users, it is essential that solar PV and equipment manufacturers are present in a leading trade show in the region. “EXPO Solar 2010 can be the most preferred destination for companies looking to increase their presence and expand their business in Asia thanks to the participation by diverse solar players from key Asian countries and its location based in South Korea with high tech innovation, skilled workforce, business-friendly infrastructure and, most importantly, strong government’s commitment to becoming a global hub for the solar industry,” said Choi Jeong-Shik, President & CEO of Infothe Media Group, the organizer of EXPO Solar and publisher of InterPV, a premier journal for the global solar PV industry.
EXPO Solar is the best single-source opportunity to have access to the Asian solar photovoltaic market and commensurate networking with Asian players. Across three days, February 3-5, 2010, over 600 market leading companies will be on hand at EXPO Solar 2010 to discuss your specific requirements, and offer tailored support and advice.
EXPO Solar 2010 will be held February 3-5, 2010, at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), South Korea.
REGISTER NOW!
Join the ranks of the market leading companies clammering to exhibit at EXPO Solar 2010.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Take advantage of the early bird registration and get 20% discount on the participation fee. The early bird registration pricing ends June 30, 2009.
Register HERE! Or go to http://www.exposolar.org/
For more information on EXPO Solar 2010, please visit http://www.exposolar.org.
Source: EXPO Solar
Contact: Ms. Jeanny Lim
PR & Communications Executive for EXPO Solar
Tel: +82-2-719-6931
E-mail: swied@infothe.com
Mr. Jimmy Cheong
International Marketing Executive, Europe & Middle East
Tel: +82-2-718-6931
E-mail: expo@infothe.com
