The industry and environment ministries plan to introduce mandatory recycling for solar panels, aiming to optimize resource use and minimize the environmental impact of panel disposal.
With solar power continuing to gain traction as a primary renewable energy source, the number of panels reaching the end of their lifespans is projected to start rising sharply in the mid-2030s. In response, the ministries are looking to establish a recycling system, although significant challenges remain.
The government established a feed-in tariff system for electricity in 2012, following the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. Due to the relative ease of starting solar power generation, mega solar power plants have been installed rapidly across the country, while rooftop solar panels have also gained popularity among homeowners.
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