The government launched a new program Sunday under which power companies can increase the amount they pay for surplus electricity produced by solar power generation systems installed in homes, schools and hospitals.
In the government's latest attempt to get more people and organizations to install solar panels, many utility firms will almost double payments to ¥48 for each kilowatt generated per hour by households and ¥24 by schools, hospitals and other facilities.
The electric companies will cover the rise in costs by collecting a monthly surcharge of around ¥30 from every household and organization using electricity. This will start in April.