#solar energy #Japan #Chuo, Tokyo #Enerbank #Hyogo Prefecture

Enerbank Chosen as Support Provider for Solar Procurement in Hyogo

Enerbank, based in Chuo, Tokyo, has been officially selected as the support provider for Hyogo Prefecture's upcoming solar power procurement initiative, set to launch in the fiscal year 2025. This initiative aims to facilitate the joint procurement of solar energy systems for businesses, helping them to reduce costs and administrative burdens while increasing the adoption of solar power.

Overview of the Joint Solar Procurement Initiative

The joint solar energy procurement program intends to attract businesses interested in installing solar power systems. By leveraging economies of scale, the program aims to lower prices while ensuring quality through evaluations conducted by Enerbank, which will assess the qualifications of installation contractors. By doing so, the initiative will contribute to the wider promotion of solar energy in Hyogo Prefecture.

The project will propose three different funding mechanisms for businesses seeking to implement solar power plants: 1) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), 2) leasing options, and 3) owning their systems outright. Enerbank has been entrusted with this vital role, formalized through an agreement with Hyogo Prefecture.

Changing Environment and Benefits of Joint Procurement

The adoption of solar energy systems has seen a shift recently due to falling feed-in tariff (FIT) prices, causing a decline in new installations meant for selling electricity. However, the growing emphasis on ESG investments and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have fueled an annual increase in self-consumption solar systems on rooftops.

In light of rising electricity prices, the economic rationale for adopting self-consumption solar systems has gained attention, solidifying their role in mitigating energy costs. Additionally, firms seeking to comply with RE100 and carbon neutrality initiatives are increasingly installing such systems.

Traditionally, businesses bore the upfront costs when implementing solar power; however, alternative models such as third-party ownership (TPO-PPA) and leasing options that eliminate initial expenditure are gaining traction. This initiative will allow Enerbank to simplify the selection process, enabling businesses to efficiently identify the most suitable contractors while reducing the burden on installers, ultimately lower service costs. This will facilitate easier adoption of solar energy solutions for businesses.

The Solutions Offered by Solar Matching Service "Solareco"

Given the recent spike in electricity prices and the diversification of solar power implementation methods, more companies and government agencies are considering the installation of self-consumption solar energy systems. Concurrently, the rising demand has attracted numerous installation contractors who are eager to participate.

Due to the varying capabilities, building specifications, and conditions offered by different installation contractors, businesses are often challenged in locating the right solutions for their facilities. Additionally, comparing proposals from multiple contractors can become cumbersome due to differing criteria and requirements.

To address these challenges, Enerbank's self-consumption solar installation support service, "Solareco," will present potential benefits upfront, assist in formal proceedings, and help reduce gaps during proposal evaluations. Furthermore, the service organizes and clarifies the proposals from installers, making comparisons more manageable for prospective adopters.

Key Features of Solareco

1. Diagnostic tools to assess solar installation potential for businesses.
2. Identification and sampling of suppliers that can provide services aligned with the business's specifications.
3. Comparison and organization of multiple received estimates.
4. Economic effect simulation for solar system installations.
5. Support in communications and on-site investigations with suppliers.
6. Comprehensive Q&A assistance.

Call for Installers and Interested Companies

The project is set to open applications for installation contractors and interested businesses shortly, with details to follow.

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact:
Hyogo Prefecture Joint Solar Procurement Support Office
info-pref.hyogo@enerbank.jp

About Enerbank

Company Name: Enerbank Inc.
CEO: Kenichi Muranaka | Co-founder, Director of Private Sector Business
Co-CEO: Jo Sato | Co-founder, Director of Government and Public Sector Business
CTO: Daisuke Sekine | Co-founder
Address: 2-1-17 Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo, 103-0027, Japan
Established: July 2018
Phone: 03-6868-8463
Business Activities:

• - Development and operation of electricity auction systems.
• - Operation of environmental value trading platforms.
• - Green power certificate issuance.
• - Proposal matching services for solar power system installations.
• - Development of digital concierge services for energy procurement and decarbonization initiatives.

Website: Enerbank Website