Japan Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031

Market Insights on Japan Bi-facial Solar Market

• Japan's bifacial solar market has reached an inflection point, with cumulative PV capacity surpassing 100 GW in 2025 according to industry estimates from Tokyo-based consultancy RTS Corp. The country added approximately 5.8 GW to 6 GW of new solar capacity during the year, with the utility-scale segment leading at 2.2 GW for projects exceeding 1 MW, followed by 2 GW in the commercial and industrial market, and 1.6 GW from residential installations.
• According to the research report, "Japan Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Bi-facial Solar market is anticipated to add USD 671.90 Million by 2026–31. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) confirms that solar PV installations reached 78.0 GW by December 2025 under the FIT/FIP framework. To achieve the 2030 target of 103.5 to 117.6 GW, Japan must sustain annual additions of 5 to 8 GW over the next five years. The Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, finalized in February 2025, positions solar as the nation's primary electricity source by 2040, targeting a 22% to 29% share of the power mix.
• Bifacial technology has emerged as a strategic priority, with JinkoSolar capturing 26% of the Japanese photovoltaic market in 2024, driven by its Tiger Neo TOPCon series. The company has maintained the top position in Japan's module shipment rankings for seven consecutive years. Japan's unique geographical constraints limited flat land and high population density have accelerated adoption of high-efficiency bifacial modules that maximize energy yield per square meter. The country's challenging low-light conditions, where up to 90% of typical rooftops and regions face diffuse irradiance, have made TOPCon technology particularly attractive due to its superior weak-light performance.
• TÜV NORD's Japan project in Kagoshima demonstrated that N-type TOPCon bifacial modules achieved 7.78% higher average per-watt generation compared to N-type BC modules, with peak monthly gains reaching 9.84%. Government support through FIT and FIP programs remains instrumental, though a significant transition is underway as corporate power purchase agreements increasingly bypass these schemes. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's mandate requiring solar installations on all new homes since April 2024 has catalyzed residential adoption, with Kawasaki implementing similar measures. Agricultural regulations are also evolving, with easing expected to unlock substantial agrivoltaic potential.

Competitive Landscape of Japan Bi-facial Solar Market

• JinkoSolar dominates with a 26% market share, leveraging its Tiger Neo TOPCon series that delivers 80% to 85% bifaciality and exceptional performance in Japan's low-irradiance conditions. The company's continuous innovation pipeline, with Tiger Neo 3.0 achieving 650-670Wp and 85±5% bifaciality, ensures its leadership position for the next five years. TMEIC, a Toshiba-Mitsubishi joint venture, deployed JinkoSolar modules at its Nagasaki Innovation Center, demonstrating enterprise adoption of advanced bifacial technology.
• The value chain features domestic engineering firms like Tokyu Construction, which launched its first on-site PPA in Hokkaido for Tajimi Musen Denki's Chitose factory, deploying a 175 kW bifacial system with reflective sheets manufactured by Dai Nippon Printing to enhance winter generation from snow reflection. The project achieves approximately 195 MWh annual generation, covering 40% of the factory's electricity consumption.
• Another notable development involves Yoshifuji Transport's 2,600 kW bifacial installation in Ibaraki Prefecture, representing a ¥300 million investment that sells power to Tokyo Electric Power Holdings.
• Hokkaido Gas commissioned the "Mirai Power Kamishihoro" megasolar facility featuring 1,999 kW capacity with bifacial panels capturing reflected light from ground and snow.
• Entry barriers include high certification requirements, with modules requiring METI's Grid Interconnection Guidelines compliance. The impending phase-out of FIT and FIP incentives for systems above 10 kW by fiscal year 2027 has created potential for a pre-2027 rush, though regulatory tightening on utility-scale projects may temper this effect. Consumer behavior increasingly prioritizes weak-light performance, as photovoltaic generation during morning and evening peak-price periods delivers higher revenue than midday generation.

Japan Market Dynamics

Driver: Superior Weak-Light Performance of TOPCon Bifacial Modules Japan's climate, characterized by frequent cloud cover and diffuse irradiance, has made weak-light performance a critical selection criterion. TÜV NORD's Kagoshima实证 project revealed that N-type TOPCon bifacial modules achieved 7.78% higher per-watt generation than N-type BC modules over four months, with peak gains of 9.84%. During morning low-light periods from 6 to 8 AM, TOPCon modules outperformed by 5.28%, with the advantage expanding to 9.68% during evening hours. This performance translates directly into revenue, as generation during high-price periods maximizes project economics. With up to 90% of Japan's rooftops facing low-light conditions, this advantage is transformative.

Challenge: Impending FIT/FIP Phase-Out and Policy Uncertainty Japan's bifacial market faces significant headwinds from the planned elimination of FIT and FIP incentives for systems above 10 kW starting fiscal year 2027. While the transition to corporate PPAs is underway, the pace of adoption remains uncertain. The government's December 2025 announcement of heightened regulatory oversight for utility-scale projects adds further complexity. Additionally, the suspension of incentives for over 300 agrivoltaic projects in mid-2024 has created uncertainty in this promising segment. METI data shows that while FIT/FIP-based installations are declining, module shipments remain stable, suggesting a growing non-subsidized market.



Trend: Vertical Bifacial Installations in Snow-Prone Regions Japan's northern prefectures are pioneering vertical bifacial configurations that address both snow-related challenges and land-use constraints. Niseko Town's public project, awarded to UNIVA Oak subsidiary North Energy, represents Hokkaido's first public-sector vertical bifacial installation, designed specifically to mitigate snow damage risks. Kaneka Corporation signed an on-site PPA for vertical bifacial deployment in Numata Town, Hokkaido, targeting multi-snow regions. These vertical configurations maintain generation during winter months when conventional tilted panels are covered by snow, while preserving agricultural land use. The approach aligns with Japan's broader strategy to maximize solar deployment on limited available land.

Segment Analysis

Japan Bi-facial Solar Market by Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar has become the standard for Japan's utility-scale and commercial segments, driven by superior durability in the country's diverse climate conditions. JinkoSolar's Tiger Neo series, deployed in the TMEIC Nagasaki project, features dual-glass construction that provides enhanced protection against humidity and salt spray in coastal installations. The configuration's 30-year lifespan and resistance to potential-induced degradation make it the preferred choice for ground-mounted and large rooftop systems. Hokkaido Gas's "Mirai Power Kamishihoro" facility utilizes dual-glass bifacial panels to maximize generation from snow reflection.
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar serves Japan's residential and weight-sensitive commercial rooftop segments. The configuration offers adequate durability while reducing structural load requirements, making it suitable for building-integrated applications. Given Japan's high earthquake risk and building code requirements, glass-backsheet modules provide a practical balance of performance and safety. The segment benefits from Tokyo's new construction mandate requiring solar installations, with glass-backsheet modules offering the lightweight characteristics necessary for compliance.

Japan Bi-facial Solar Market by Cell Technology
• TOPCon technology has emerged as Japan's dominant cell architecture, driven by superior weak-light performance and high bifaciality rates of 80% to 85%. JinkoSolar's Tiger Neo series achieves 80% to 85% bifaciality, with the upcoming Tiger Neo 3.0 targeting 85±5%. TÜV NORD's Kagoshima demonstrated TOPCon's 7.78% generation advantage over N-type BC modules. The technology's performance ratio reached 97.82% compared to 90.54% for BC modules. With Japan's limited land area, TOPCon's higher efficiency per square meter is critical for maximizing energy yield.
• PERC technology maintains a presence in cost-sensitive segments, though its lower bifaciality rates of approximately 70% to 75% limit adoption for premium applications. The technology's mature manufacturing base ensures competitive pricing, but its inferior weak-light performance compared to TOPCon has reduced its competitiveness in Japan's cloudy conditions. PERC modules continue serving replacement markets and budget-conscious installations where immediate cost considerations outweigh long-term efficiency gains.
• HJT technology occupies a premium niche, offering the highest efficiency potential and superior temperature coefficient. The technology's enhanced low-light performance benefits installations in Japan's northern latitudes with shorter winter daylight hours. However, higher manufacturing costs and limited production capacity restrict HJT adoption to demonstration projects and high-value applications. The technology's indium dependency presents supply chain vulnerabilities that may limit scaling.
• Others encompass emerging technologies including perovskite-silicon tandems, which represent Japan's strategic focus for next-generation photovoltaics. The government launched subsidy applications in September 2025 to accelerate perovskite deployment, targeting 20 GW by 2040. IBC technology, evaluated in the Kagoshima, demonstrated lower performance than TOPCon under Japan's conditions. These technologies represent future growth potential as manufacturing scales and costs decrease.

Japan Bi-facial Solar Market by End-User
• Utility-Scale leads Japan's bifacial solar market with 2.2 GW of new installations in 2025 for projects exceeding 1 MW. The segment benefits from Japan's four utility-scale auctions conducted in 2025, with the 24th auction achieving an average price of JPY 4.06 per kWh. The 27th auction application process commenced in January 2026. The 100 GW cumulative milestone reflects the segment's foundational role in Japan's solar expansion. However, tightening regulatory oversight on large-scale projects may moderate future growth.
• Commercial & Industrial represents the second-largest segment with 2 GW of new installations in 2025. Corporate PPAs signed outside FIT/FIP schemes are increasingly driving adoption, with Tokyu Construction's 175 kW on-site PPA for Tajimi Musen Denki's Chitose factory exemplifying this trend. The Yoshifuji Transport's 2,600 kW installation demonstrates commercial enterprise commitment to bifacial technology. The segment benefits from industrial electricity rates that make solar economics attractive without subsidies.
• Residential installations reached 1.6 GW in 2025, driven by Tokyo's mandate requiring solar on all new homes since April 2024, with Kawasaki implementing similar measures. The segment's growth is expected to accelerate as more municipalities adopt such policies. However, residential systems typically utilize smaller-format modules, with glass-backsheet configurations preferred for weight considerations. The segment's potential lies in new construction and the expansion of net-metering programs, though bifacial gains on dark roofs remain limited compared to ground-mounted installations.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Bi-facial Solar Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar

By Cell Technology
• PERC
• TOPCon
• HJT
• Others

By End-User
• Utility-Scale
• Commercial & Industrial
• Residential