Kyocera completes new solar power plant in Japan

Kyocera TCL Solar has completed construction of a utility-scale solar power plant in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.

Construction started on the 29.2MW utility-scale solar power plant in September 2015.

Kyocera TCL Solar installed 108,504 solar modules on 1.2km² of land, which was originally designated for a golf course and other purposes. The land was subsequently abandoned.

The modules will have the capacity to generate an estimated 36,080MWh a year, which will be enough to power nearly 12,000 typical households in the region.

Electricity generated at the plant will be sold to Chugoku Electric Power.

Due to the coastal climate of the Japan Sea, Tottori Prefecture receives short hours of sunlight during the winter months and is not always considered as a suitable area for the construction of a solar power plant.

In order to overcome these climatic conditions, Kyocera TCL Solar has optimised its installation methods to suit the regional weather conditions and ensured that sufficient power is generated to meet local requirements.

Established in August 2012, Kyocera TCL Solar has constructed 63 solar power plants across Japan, including the new 29.2 MW plant.

Shareholders in the company are Tokyo Century (81%) and Kyocera (19%).

Kyocera TCL Solar, Kyocera and Tokyo Century have been promoting renewable energy and contributing to environmental protection through their solar energy business.