For years, solar power has been one of the most visible symbols of Japan’s energy transition. But what about their mega-solar project?
Hillsides covered in panels, fields transformed into power stations, and ambitious targets for renewable energy have all signaled a country trying to move away from fossil fuels and nuclear dependence.
Now, however, Japan is drawing a clearer line. The government has announced plans to tighten regulations on large-scale, ground-mounted solar projects, often called “mega-solar,” citing concerns about environmental damage, safety risks, and the loss of natural landscapes.
The shift does not mean Japan is turning away from renewable energy, but it does show a growing effort to balance clean power with environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
Why? Let’s talk about it in this article.
Why Mega-Solar Become Controversial
Mega-solar projects are designed to produce large amounts of electricity by covering wide areas of land with solar panels. In theory, they offer an efficient way to cut carbon emissions. In practice, many of these projects have raised serious concerns, especially in a country as mountainous and densely populated as Japan.
Large solar farms are often built on forested slopes, farmland, or near protected natural areas. Clearing land for panels can increase the risk of soil erosion, landslides, and flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall and typhoon seasons.
Local communities have also complained that some projects damage scenic views, which are deeply connected to cultural identity and tourism.
Disputes near sensitive areas, such as the Kushiro Wetland National Park in Hokkaido, have brought these issues into the national spotlight. Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that support rare wildlife and help regulate water systems.
When nearby land is altered, even indirectly, the ecological balance can be disturbed. These conflicts have made it harder to argue that all solar development is automatically “green,” especially when it comes at the expense of biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Political leaders have increasingly echoed these concerns. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been especially vocal, arguing that unrestrained mega-solar development can harm Japan’s environment.
All while offering limited domestic economic benefits, since many solar panels are manufactured overseas. Her position reflects a broader shift toward questioning not just how much renewable energy Japan builds, but how and where it builds it.
Ending Financial Support
One of the most significant changes announced by the government is the planned end of financial support for large-scale, ground-mounted solar projects starting in the fiscal year beginning in April 2027. Until now, many projects have relied on two key support systems: the feed-in tariff (FIT) and the feed-in premium (FIP).
Under the FIT system, renewable energy producers are guaranteed a fixed price for the electricity they generate over a set period. This reduced financial risk and encouraged rapid investment. The FIP system, introduced later, allows producers to sell electricity on the market while receiving an additional premium. Both schemes helped solar power expand quickly across Japan.
The government now plans to stop offering these incentives for new mega-solar projects, although details such as the exact size threshold for affected projects will be decided later. Support for existing facilities and for residential or smaller-scale solar installations will continue. This signals a clear intention to shift priorities rather than abandon solar energy altogether.
Ending subsidies is likely to slow the development of large solar farms, especially as costs rise and land becomes harder to secure.
Combined with uncertainty around offshore wind projects, which face their own challenges due to high costs and developer withdrawals, the pace of renewable energy expansion in Japan may soften in the coming years.
For a country that remains the world’s fifth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, this creates a difficult balancing act between climate goals and environmental protection.
Safety Concerns
Beyond financial changes, the government is also considering stricter environmental oversight. At present, solar projects under 30 megawatts are not required to undergo national environmental impact assessments. Officials are now discussing whether this threshold should be lowered or whether assessments should cover a wider range of projects.
Environmental impact assessments are designed to examine how a project might affect ecosystems, water systems, wildlife, and nearby communities before construction begins. Expanding these requirements could slow approval processes, but it would also help identify risks early and prevent poorly planned developments.
Safety is another major concern driving the policy shift. Poorly sited solar farms on steep or unstable land have been linked to landslides and runoff problems.
In extreme weather events, damaged panels and exposed infrastructure can create hazards for nearby residents. By tightening rules, the government aims to ensure that renewable energy projects do not introduce new risks while trying to solve old ones.
These discussions show a recognition that renewable energy infrastructure must meet high standards, not just in terms of carbon reduction, but also in how it fits into the physical and ecological landscape of the country.
Quality Over Quantity
While support for mega-solar projects is being reduced, Japan is not stepping away from solar innovation. In fact, the government plans to strengthen backing for perovskite solar cells, a next-generation technology developed domestically.
Perovskite solar cells are lighter, more flexible, and potentially cheaper to produce than traditional silicon panels. They can be installed on building walls, rooftops, and even windows, reducing the need for large areas of land. This makes them especially attractive in urban environments, where space is limited but energy demand is high.
By investing more heavily in this technology, Japan is signaling a shift from land-intensive solar farms toward more integrated and design-friendly solutions.
This approach aligns with the goal of preserving landscapes while still expanding renewable capacity. It also supports domestic industry, reducing reliance on imported panels and strengthening Japan’s position in the global clean energy market.
In this sense, the new policy is not anti-solar, but selective. It favors smarter placement, advanced technology, and long-term resilience over rapid expansion at any cost.
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