Saitama City Partners with Enerbank for Joint Solar Procurement Initiative

In an exciting development for the renewable energy sector, Saitama City has chosen Enerbank as the supporting organization for its innovative joint procurement initiative for solar power systems, which is set to commence in the fiscal year 2028. Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Shojo Sato, Enerbank proposed the project during Saitama City's solicitation for its "Zero Carbon City Co-Creation Promotion Platform Project" for fiscal year 2027, marking a step forward in the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Overview of the Joint Procurement Support Project for Solar Power

The joint procurement support project for solar power systems aims to gather interest from potential users and leverage economies of scale to lower costs. By assessing the qualifications of installation contractors, the project intends to ensure quality and further promote the adoption of solar power across the city. Enerbank has been selected as the support organization to facilitate this initiative, which will provide businesses with three procurement options: (1) Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), (2) leasing, and (3) ownership.

The initiative is designed not only to foster the adoption of solar power equipment but also to make it easier for local businesses to integrate renewable energy into their operations. As energy costs continue to rise and climate-related pressures increase, Saitama City is making strides to ensure that its businesses remain competitive and environmentally responsible.

Changing Landscape of Solar Power Adoption and the Benefits of Joint Procurement

The introduction of solar power systems has generally been declining as new installations are primarily driven by feed-in tariff (FIT) prices. However, interest in self-consumption solar systems is on the rise, particularly due to the government’s push for renewable energy and the increasing awareness of ESG investing and the SDGs. As businesses look for ways to mitigate energy costs and meet decarbonization demands, the economic rationality of self-consumption solar power becomes ever clearer.

The government is also considering future regulations that will require businesses with significant energy needs to establish goals and plans for implementing solar power systems starting in fiscal year 2026. Consequently, solar power adoption is becoming increasingly essential not just for sustainability but also for business continuity and maintaining competitive advantage.

Historically, ownership models were the most common, but interest is shifting towards third-party ownership models (TPO-PPA) and leasing options that reduce upfront costs. These innovative methods allow businesses to harness the benefits of renewable energy while mitigating asset management risks.

Under this initiative, Enerbank will compare and organize proposals from multiple installers based on specified criteria, easing the selection process for interested businesses. This streamlined comparison aims to minimize both installation and administrative burdens, ultimately encouraging solar system installations across Saitama City.

Overview of Enerbank's 'Solar Record' Service

As the demand for solar power systems continues to grow, so does the need for a comprehensive support framework. Enerbank is rolling out its solar power support service, "Solar Record," which assists businesses and local governments in navigating the complexities of solar energy adoption with tailored solutions.

Key services offered include:

- Tools for assessing a client’s solar installation potential;
- Identification and sourcing of suppliers based on facility specifications;
- Comparison and organization of multiple estimates;
- Economic impact simulations;
- Support in onsite surveys and communications with suppliers;
- Q&A assistance.

Call for Installation Contractors and Interested Parties

In the coming months, Saitama City will initiate recruitment for both installation contractors and interested parties in this joint procurement initiative. Timelines for recruitment and decision-making are as follows:

- Contractor Recruitment: Expected to begin around April 2028 and close around June 2028.
- Contractor Selection: Anticipated around July 2028.
- Interest Registration for Solar Adoption: Scheduled to begin around June 2028.
- Onsite Surveys and Estimates: Anticipated between August 2028 and March 31, 2029.

For more details and inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact the Joint Solar Procurement Support Project Office at Saitama City ([email protected]).

About Enerbank

Founded in July 2018, Enerbank is based in Tokyo and is committed to delivering innovative solutions for renewable energy. Co-founders include Managing Director and COO Shojo Sato, and Kenichi Muranaka, ensuring both public sector and private sector projects are effectively managed. The company also oversees the development and operation of a range of energy-related services, including electric auction systems, green power certificate issuance, and digital concierge services for energy procurement and decarbonization.

For more information about Enerbank and its initiatives, visit Enerbank’s website.