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Hirasol Energy and East Solutions Launch Transition for Solar PV to FIP System

Hirasol Energy and East Solutions Transition to FIP System

In a groundbreaking initiative, Hirasol Energy Co., Ltd. based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, and East Solutions Inc. from Minato, Tokyo have begun a project aimed at transitioning existing solar power plants under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system to the Feed-in Premium (FIP) system. The transition commences on February 1, 2026, with a dual goal: to ensure sustainable utilization of solar power facilities and to enhance revenue opportunities.

Background of the Project

The FIT system has historically facilitated the rapid expansion of renewable energy by guaranteeing a fixed price for electricity purchases, allowing a multitude of diverse businesses to enter the renewable energy market. However, this mechanism has faced criticism for not reflecting market conditions, as it does not adapt to fluctuations in supply and demand. As a result, there have been calls for a shift to the FIP system, which, while permitting sales based on market prices, demands a more sophisticated operational framework for power generation planning and imbalance management.

Project Overview

The current project represents a strategic move to reallocate existing FIT solar power plants to the FIP system, thereby seeking a balance between sustainable operations and revenue maximization. Hirasol Energy, with its experience as an aggregator, will leverage advanced solar power generation forecasting technologies and its proprietary Energy Management System (J-EMS) to carry out daily operation tasks which include optimizing energy production forecasts, managing imbalance reductions, formulating generation plans, and submitting necessary documentation to the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO). On the other hand, East Solutions will oversee the ownership, selection, and maintenance of the solar plants involved in the project.

Facility Details

- Name of the Facility: Fukuoka Iizuka No. 1 Solar Power Plant
- Location: Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Capacity: 1,500 kW
- Owner: East Solutions Inc.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Hirasol Energy and East Solutions are committed to expanding their services to support the operation of existing solar power facilities after their transition to the FIP system, further contributing to the advancement of renewable energy as a primary power source.

About Hirasol Energy

Founded on February 21, 2017, Hirasol Energy is a start-up born from the University of Tokyo with the aspiration of achieving sustainable solar power for the next century. Their mission focuses on maximizing both the business and societal value of solar power plants through cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. They are involved in various projects including solar performance restoration, aggregation operation initiatives, and providing digital solutions specific to solar power generation.