REC, a leading global provider of solar electricity solutions, supplies in total 15,324 REC Peak Energy Series solar panels for two projects owned and operated by C-Energy, a subsidiary of the Japanese electric utility provider Chubu Electric Power Company.
The 2.5 MW Toyobo Mie (Kusu) plant, located in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, started operation in July 2013 and expected to generate 2.5 million kWh of clean, green electricity every year. It is the largest project owned by C-Energy with a system size of above 2 MW. The second ground-mounted 1.3 MW Research Institute solar installation, in Ohtsu City, Shiga Prefecture, where construction started in July 2013 will be finalized in December 2013. Together, both installations will produce enough power to provide green electricity to 1,100 Japanese households.
The importance of the Japanese solar market is reflected in the 29 percent of REC’s solar panel shipments to Japan in the second quarter of 2013. “Japan is one of the most important markets for REC in 2013, and we’re thrilled to be selected as the panel supplier of choice by C-Energy. We are looking forward to establishing a reliable partnership with them,” said Go Sekiguchi, Representative Director Japan, REC.
C-Energy decided on solar because they want to invest in an environmentally friendly source of energy. The new plant in Yokkaichi will reduce CO2 emissions by around 2,478 tons per year. Toyobo, one of Japan's top makers of fibers and textiles, owns the land of both installations.
Both solar installations produce clean, green electricity contributing significantly to the energy production in Japan. The Fukushima nuclear disaster has brought renewable energy into the spotlight and solar is one important pillar in supporting the turnaround in energy policy.
