☀️ Peak sun hours in Japan
Egypt gets outstanding sun — roughly 5.5 to 6.5 peak sun hours. Upper Egypt and the desert are highest; the Delta and north coast a little lower.
| Region | Approx. peak sun hours (annual avg) |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido | ~3.5 – 4.2 |
| Tokyo & Kanto | ~4.0 – 4.4 |
| Osaka & Kansai | ~4.2 – 4.6 |
| Okinawa | ~4.6 – 5.0 |
Use your local figure in the solar panel calculator and the energy production calculator. Background: peak sun hours by location.
⚡ Electricity prices in Japan
Household electricity runs roughly ¥27–36 per kWh depending on your utility and region — among the highest in Asia, which makes rooftop solar pay back well.
💸 Incentives & net metering
Japan's Surplus Power Purchase (FIT) scheme pays a fixed 10-year rate for exported solar power. Since 2023 a battery-plus-solar support subsidy (蓄電システム支援事業) covers part of home battery costs — check METI's current budget windows.
💰 System cost & payback in Japan
Local installation is relatively affordable; payback keeps improving:
| System size | Approx. cost | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~¥900,000 – 1,200,000 | Small home |
| 5 kW | ~¥1,400,000 – 1,800,000 | Typical family home |
| 10 kW | ~¥2,600,000 – 3,400,000 | Large home / small business |
Work out your own numbers with the ROI calculator and the bill savings calculator, or design the whole system with the system report builder.
💡 Local insight: Japan
Typhoon and earthquake loads matter more than price per watt: choose frames rated for 34 m/s wind and heavy snow where relevant, and prefer tier-1 modules with proven PID resistance in Japan's humid summers. Installers who anchor to wood with engineered lag bolts vastly outlast generic roof-penetrations.
🧰 Solar tools
Plan your system with these:
- Solar panel calculator — how many panels for your usage and sun hours.
- Solar bill savings calculator — how much you'll save.
- ROI calculator — payback period.
- Battery calculator — if you want backup.
- Full system report — design the whole system in one page.
Related reading: solar panels in hot climates, how many panels to run a house, and peak sun hours by location.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many peak sun hours does Japan get?
Roughly 3.5 to 5.0. Okinawa is the sunniest (~4.6–5.0), Kanto around 4.0–4.4, and snowy Hokkaido about 3.5–4.2.
Is solar worth it in Japan?
Yes — high electricity prices (~¥27–36/kWh) and the 10-year FIT rate make payback around 8–12 years, better with a battery subsidy.
Does Japan have net metering?
Japan uses a feed-in scheme: exported power is bought at a fixed FIT rate for 10 years, separate from self-consumption credits.
How much does solar cost in Japan?
Roughly ¥260,000–360,000 per kW installed for a typical home system.
Note: Japan electricity tariffs, net-metering rules and prices change frequently (and with the currency). These figures are approximate, for planning only — verify with your utility and a local installer.