SunPower and Total complete solar power plant in Japan

The Sillicon Valley based energy company and the world’s fourth largest oil and gas company, also global energy operator, have achieved work on the Nanao solar power station.

Since April 19, the solar power plant located in Nanao on Japan’s Honshu Island is operational. Built on 25 hectares of land owned by Canada based ISE Group, the facility produces 27MW electricity allowing to serve around 8,900 households.

Hikonobu Ise, ISE Group’s chairman declared: “The photovoltaic power plant that has started its operations in Nanao is one of the largest in the Hokuriku region. We are pleased to partner with Total, one of the world’s leading energy companies, and SunPower, which possesses the world’s most efficient solar panel technology.”

Total and SunPower have managed the project undertaking in one year. The Nanao solar plant is connected to the electricity distribution grid and supply power with up to 80,000 high-efficiency solar panels.

SunPower’s Vice President, Shingo Tajiri said: "The SunPower solar panels operating at the Nanao solar power plant maximize the power generated on site by producing 45 percent more energy in the same amount of space compared to conventional solar panels, and are recognized for long-term reliability and performance."

The project design has also taken into consideration earthquake-resistant building standards.

The Nanao Solar power station has cost JPY10bn.