Huge Yamanashi solar farm online

KOFU, Yamanashi Pref. — A solar power plant with a capacity of 10 megawatts began operating Friday in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.

The Komekurayama power station, built by Tokyo Electric Power Co. on a 12.5-hectare site, is one of the largest photovoltaic facilities in Japan and produces enough electricity to power around 3,400 homes.

The site is being leased to Tepco for free by the Yamanashi Prefectural Government.

Landlocked Yamanashi receives plenty of sunshine and is trying to attract solar power plant projects. In addition to the one in Kofu, other projects are proceeding in the cities of Kai and Nirasaki.

Tepco is struggling to resolve the triple-meltdown crisis at its Fukushima No. 1 power plant.