The Japanese solar industry, with a current capacity of 75 GW, is set to reach 108 GW by 2030, driven by a 9.2% CAGR and expected to exceed USD 10 billion in revenue by 2025. Government policies, including Feed-in Tariffs, and growing investments in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects, particularly in Tokyo and Osaka, are propelling growth, with advancements in solar technologies further supporting the sector’s expansion
As one of the most technologically advanced countries globally, Japan leads the way in solar power innovation. The country’s commitment to renewable energy has resulted in the emergence of numerous high-quality solar manufacturing companies. This article explores the top seven solar panel manufacturers in Japan, their history, product range, and what sets them apart. We’ll also delve into the crucial certifications necessary for solar panels in the Japanese market.
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Location (Headquarters): Shenzhen, China
Year Established: 2013
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Sharp Corporation (Osaka)
Website: https://global.sharp/
Overview of the Company: Sharp Corporation, headquartered in Sakai, Osaka, has been a leader in Japan’s solar industry since its founding in 1959. With a long history of innovation, Sharp was one of the first companies to develop solar cells and remains a key player in the global solar market.
Product Highlights: Sharp specializes in high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels and solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their products range from basic residential panels to advanced high-output models.
Founded in 1959, headquartered in Osaka
Produces monocrystalline half-cell panels, including NUAC310 (310W) and NUJC370 (370W)
Power output range: 310W to 430W
Key markets include Japan, Europe, and parts of Asia
Certifications: Sharp’s solar panels are certified for high performance and safety standards, including IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and UL 1703, ensuring reliability and durability across different environmental conditions
Company Video:
Kyocera Corporation (Kyoto)
WebstieL: https://global.kyocera.com/
Company Background:
Kyocera Corporation, a leading player in the global solar industry, has been a pioneer in photovoltaic technology since the 1970s. Known for their durable and reliable products, Kyocera designs and manufactures high-performance solar panels that cater to both residential and commercial markets. The company is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, with manufacturing facilities in Japan and China, and has a long-standing reputation for innovation in solar technology.
Key Products and Services:
Kyocera offers a range of solar panels featuring both monocrystalline and polycrystalline technologies. Their high-efficiency panels are optimized for performance and longevity, offering solutions suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The company’s panels have power outputs ranging from 260W to 330W, providing reliable energy generation even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Annual Module Production Capacity: Over 1 GW
Key Products: Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels
Module Power Output: 260W to 330W
Key Markets: Japan, USA, Europe, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TUV Rheinland, UL certified
Company Video:
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo)
Company Profile: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a multinational based in Tokyo, Japan, has been a prominent player in the global solar industry for decades. Since its entry into solar energy, Mitsubishi has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and efficient solar panels. The company has pioneered several advancements in photovoltaic technology and continues to innovate in the solar space.
Diversified Portfolio:: Mitsubishi Electric manufactures high-performance monocrystalline solar panels and offers solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The company focuses on maximizing energy output through efficiency improvements and offers products with robust warranties.
Founded: 1921
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Annual Module Production Capacity: Approx. 1-2 GW
Key Products: Monocrystalline solar panels
Module Power Output: 320W to 360W
Certifications: IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 1703
Key Markets: Japan, USA, Europe, and Asia
Notable Series: D6M320E4AME, D6M325E4AME, D6M330E4AME, D6M350E4A, D6M360E4A
Company Video:
Panasonic Corporation (Osaka)
Webstie: https://www.panasonic.com/
Overview of the Company:
Panasonic Corporation, a renowned global leader in innovation, has been involved in the solar industry for over 40 years. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, it has a strong reputation for high-quality, durable solar products. The company offers cutting-edge photovoltaic solutions and energy storage systems, contributing significantly to the global push for renewable energy. Panasonic focuses on delivering reliable, high-efficiency solar panels for both residential and commercial applications.
Product Highlights:
Panasonic produces a range of high-performance solar panels, known for their high efficiency and long-term reliability. Its EverVolt series includes panels with power outputs ranging from 350W to 430W, utilizing advanced technologies such as heterojunction (HJT) and PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact). These modules are designed for optimal performance in various climates, featuring impressive temperature coefficients and minimal degradation rates.
- Founded & Headquarters: 1918, Osaka, Japan
- Annual Module Production Capacity: Information not specified, but Panasonic is a tier-1 global manufacturer.
- Key Products: EverVolt series (350W, 360W, 400W, 410W, 420W, 430W) using Heterojunction and PERC technology.
- Module Power Output: Ranges from 350W to 430W, with efficiencies from 20% to 22.2%.
- Key Markets: Worldwide, with strong markets in Japan, the US, Europe, and growing presence in emerging markets.
- Certifications and Guarantee: Panasonic’s solar panels come with multiple industry certifications, ensuring their quality and reliability. These include IEC 61215, UL 61730 (Fire Type 2), PID resistance, and high salt mist resistance, ensuring they perform well under harsh environmental conditions. Panasonic also offers a 25-year warranty under its AllGuard and TripleGuard programs, guaranteeing product performance, parts, and labor.
Company Video:
Solar Frontier K.K. (Tokyo)
Website: https://www.solar-frontier.com/jpn/eng-companyprofile/
Company Background: Solar Frontier, a key player in Japan’s solar industry, is renowned for producing high-quality thin-film solar panels. With its pioneering use of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) technology, Solar Frontier has made significant strides in providing efficient, durable solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Founded in 2008, the company has continued to innovate with a focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Key Products and Services: Solar Frontier manufactures a range of CIGS-based solar panels, offering high efficiency, flexibility, and performance. Their panels are known for being lightweight and effective in low-light conditions, which makes them a strong choice for diverse environments. The modules are well-regarded for their reliability and safety certifications.
Founded & Headquarters: Founded in 2008, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Product Range & Power Output:
- SFK195-S: 195W
- SFK190-S: 190W
- SFK185-S: 185W
- SFK180-S: 180W
- SFK175-S: 175W
- SFK170-S: 170W
- SFK165-S: 165W
- SFK160-S: 160W
Certifications and Guarantee: Solar Frontier’s panels hold various important certifications, ensuring compliance with high safety and performance standards. Notable certifications include Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for safety and the California Energy Commission (CEC) approval. Their modules also comply with the PVUSA Test Conditions (PTC) rating. These certifications underscore Solar Frontier’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and long-lasting solar energy solutions
Company Video:
Hitachi Ltd (Tokyo)
Company Background: Hitachi Ltd., a global leader in technology, has a significant presence in the solar energy sector, primarily focusing on high-efficiency solar inverters and related solutions. Established in 1910 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi is renowned for integrating advanced technologies into renewable energy systems, making it a trusted name in solar power solutions worldwide.
Key Products and Services: Hitachi offers a wide range of solar inverters, including grid-tied models with high efficiency. Their product lineup features solar inverters for both residential and commercial applications, with outputs ranging from 1.1 kW to 6 kW for single-phase inverters and up to 255 kW for three-phase inverters. These systems incorporate advanced MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology to optimize energy harvest and enhance overall system efficiency.
Founded: 1910
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Products: Solar inverters, energy management systems
Module Power Output: Inverters range from 1.1 kW to 255 kW
Certifications and Guarantee: Certified with international standards such as IEC 61683, IEC 61727, and IEEE1547, Hitachi’s products are designed to deliver high efficiency and safety. They also offer extended warranties, ensuring long-term reliability.
Key Markets: Hitachi operates in Japan, India, and other global markets, with extensive involvement in the development of large-scale solar projects across Asia and beyond.
Company Video:
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Point 1: Why Improt Solar Panels From China
Importing solar panels from China to Japan provides clear cost advantages. China, as the world’s leading solar panel manufacturer, controls around 80% of the global manufacturing capacity. This dominance enables Chinese manufacturers to leverage economies of scale, lower labor costs, and government subsidies, resulting in significantly lower production costs. These savings are passed on to international customers, making Chinese solar panels more affordable compared to those from other regions. Additionally, China’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure and technological innovations ensure high-quality, reliable panels at competitive prices. With a broad variety of panel types, from high-efficiency monocrystalline to bifacial models, Japan can access the latest solar technology while benefiting from reduced costs. This cost-effectiveness helps Japan meet its renewable energy targets efficiently while keeping installation expenses lower. For more information on top solar panel manufacturers in China, visit our guide on solar panel manufacturers.
Point 2: Japanese Duty Rates on PV Panels from China: Latest Updates 2025
When importing solar components from China to Japan, it’s important to understand the applicable tariff rates and trade regulations. Below are specific details for some of the key products, including solar panels, solar-powered generators, solar inverters, and diodes, which play a crucial role in solar power systems.
- Solar Panels (Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells):
- HTS Code: 8501.31.81
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- Solar-Powered Generators:
- HTS Code: 8501.31.81
- Tariff Rate: 0%
Solar-powered generators, which are used primarily for off-grid solar applications, fall under a tariff rate of 0% when imported from China to Japan. These generators are part of the broader solar power equipment category and are used to provide energy solutions in remote areas without access to the grid.
- Solar Inverters:
- HTS Code: 8504.40.95
- Tariff Rate: 0%
Solar inverters, essential for converting DC electricity (produced by solar panels) into usable AC electricity, are imported into Japan at a 0% duty rate. This lower tariff helps keep the cost of adopting solar energy systems affordable for businesses and consumers in Japan.
- Diodes (Excluding LEDs):
- HTS Code: 8541.10.00
- Tariff Rate: 0%
Japan’s favorable tariff structure helps reduce the costs of importing solar technology from China, promoting the growth of solar energy infrastructure and making it a more competitive market for renewable energy investments.
Point 3: Certification for Chinese Solar Panels in the Market of Japan
In Japan, solar panel and inverter manufacturers must adhere to specific certifications to ensure their products meet safety and performance standards. The Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) provides certification for photovoltaic power generation systems, including solar panels and inverters.
Another important certification is the JIS Q 8901, a standard for the reliability and durability of solar modules in different environmental conditions. This certification ensures that solar panels can withstand various weather conditions and have a long lifespan.
The JET PVm certification is also crucial, as it signifies that the solar panels meet the safety requirements set by the Japanese government. For solar inverters, the JET PVi certification is particularly important. This certification verifies that the solar inverters are safe and reliable, and perform efficiently.
Additionally, international certifications such as the IEC 61215 (for PV module performance) and IEC 61730 (for PV module safety) are also recognized in Japan.
Conclusion about Japanese Solar Panel Manufacturer
In conclusion, Japan’s solar panel manufacturing industry is renowned for its innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainability. Leading companies like Primroot.com, Sharp, Kyocera, Mitsubishi Electric, and Panasonic produce high-performance solar products that meet stringent safety and efficiency standards. As global demand for renewable energy grows, these manufacturers are well-positioned to drive advancements in solar technology and contribute significantly to the transition toward a cleaner energy future.
Custom Solar Panels For Your Industries
We provide custom solutions to all our customers and offer free consulting or samples that you can take advantage of.
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