Domestic shipments of solar cells and modules rose more than threefold in the fiscal second quarter amid a push to expand energy supplies.

Local shipments totaled 2,075 megawatts in the three months that ended Sept. 30, compared with 627 megawatts in the same quarter last year, according to a Monday statement from the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association. Exports fell to 53 megawatts from 153 megawatts a year ago.

Japanese suppliers accounted for 72 percent of all modules shipped in Japan, including 628 megawatts produced at plants outside the country, the association said.