Japan is planning a major overhaul, with solar parks set to receive less funding from government programs in the future. At the same time, Tokyo intends to re-evaluate environmental protection, feed-in tariff regulations, perovskite mining, and conflict zones like Hokkaido to safeguard landscapes and make projects safer. (reuters: 24.12.25)
Local conflicts are accelerating the change of course
The trigger is specific disputes, as several solar parks have provoked resistance in sensitive areas. The debate escalated particularly around Hokkaido, where natural areas and water resources are considered vulnerable, yet investors still wanted to plan large-scale projects.
Government agencies also point to safety concerns, as steep slopes, heavy rain, and construction work can increase risks. Therefore, ministries intend to tighten regulations so that operators must demonstrate earlier how they are stabilizing terrain and preserving habitats.
Solar parks in the crosshairs: Feed-in tariff subsidies to be phased out
At its core, this is about money, as Japan is considering discontinuing the feed-in tariff for large, ground-mounted solar parks. According to the responsible Ministry of Economic Affairs, the cut is to take effect from the fiscal year beginning in April 2027, and this would significantly reduce the attractiveness of large projects.
Currently, two models secure revenue: either a fixed purchase price is guaranteed or a premium is added to the market price. In the future, Tokyo intends to precisely define the threshold at which the subsidy halt will take effect, but the general direction is already considered clear. In practice, the government will gradually replace the existing subsidy mechanism, and the feed-in tariff will lose its function for large projects.
Nature conservation becomes a permitting factor
At the same time, nature conservation is moving more into focus because environmental regulations have not been universally applicable. The government is considering extending national environmental assessments to more projects, as projects under 30 megawatts have not previously been required to undergo national review.
The environmental ministry aims to close this gap, which would mean that medium-sized solar parks would also be subject to formal approval processes sooner. For operators, this means more expert reports, but also greater clarity, as criteria relating to soil, waterways, and erosion control are to become more binding.
Perovskite as an Industrial Project and Alternative to Imports
Tokyo doesn’t want to halt the expansion of solar power, but rather redirect it, and therefore the government is strengthening support for perovskite technology. Perovskite refers to a class of materials with a special crystal structure that is suitable as a light-absorbing layer in solar cells, enabling the construction of particularly thin, lightweight, and potentially more cost-effective modules. In many designs, the perovskite is applied as a thin film to substrates or glass, thus allowing for flexible applications.
These modules are considered the next stage of development, and Japan aims to establish them as an industrial mainstay that is less dependent on foreign supply chains. The goal also makes technical sense because lightweight thin-film solutions can open up new areas without requiring extensive earthworks. This would allow solar installations to be built more frequently on buildings, facades, or suitable infrastructure, while protecting sensitive landscapes.
Political Line and Consequences for the Energy Transition
Discussions with government representatives reveal a clear political line, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is calling for limits on very large solar parks. She points to the high import share of many modules and emphasizes the protection of landscapes and public acceptance in the regions.
The timing is strategic because offshore wind projects are simultaneously struggling with rising costs, and some developers are withdrawing. If Japan tightens regulations on solar parks and cuts subsidies, expansion could slow in the short term, but the government is focusing on quality, planning certainty, and technology-driven solutions.