# Japan solar energy policy and technology transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-solar-energy-policy-and-technology-transition
> Updated: 2026-09-01T07:29:39.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Japan is undergoing a strategic shift in its solar energy landscape, moving from conventional technologies toward next-generation solutions and integrated energy management.

The Ministry of the Environment plans to abolish subsidies for the purchase of conventional solar panels for new installations starting in fiscal 2027, citing a significant decline in panel prices. While aid for installation costs may remain available in principle and ongoing projects will continue to receive support, the government intends to exclude conventional silicon panels from new subsidy programs to prioritize perovskite solar cells.

These cells are thin, lightweight, and flexible, enabling installation on surfaces like building walls. By focusing on perovskite technology, Japan aims to leverage its status as the world’s second-largest producer of iodine—controlling approximately 30% of the global supply—to increase industrial competitiveness and reduce reliance on the conventional solar market, which is currently dominated by China.

To support this transition, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aims to deploy roughly 20 GW of perovskite-based photovoltaic systems by 2040. Additionally, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has initiated a six-year research and development program to advance large-scale manufacturing and field testing of tandem perovskite solar cells, contributing to Japan’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

In conjunction with these policy shifts, the industry is engaging in various educational initiatives. Upcoming seminars hosted by organizations such as the Japan Solar Energy Society and Solar Journal are scheduled to address evolving topics, including electricity demand, digital and green transformations, battery storage business models, and the integration of electric vehicles into sustainable power systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Japan to prioritize perovskite solar over silicon in new subsidies

Japan will exclude conventional silicon solar panels from new subsidies starting in fiscal 2027, shifting focus to next-generation perovskite technology to drive industrial competitiveness and carbon neutrality

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-to-prioritize-perovskite-solar-over-silicon-in-new-subsidies

### 2026-08-26: Japan to end conventional solar panel subsidies

Japan's Environment Ministry plans to end subsidies for conventional solar panel purchases by fiscal 2027, shifting focus to next-generation perovskite solar cells to boost industrial competitiveness.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-to-end-conventional-solar-panel-subsidies

### 2026-08-25: Japan solar energy industry to hold series of upcoming seminars

Several upcoming seminars in Japan will address solar energy trends, including perovskite technology, battery storage business models, and decarbonization subsidies for renewable energy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-solar-energy-industry-to-hold-series-of-upcoming-seminars

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Cite as: Japan solar energy policy and technology transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-solar-energy-policy-and-technology-transition