Honda will become first Japanese carmaker to sell solar power

Power to come from solar panels atop its new factory complex in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture.

Honda Motor Company plans to install 20,000 panels on the rooftops of its factory buildings in Yorii. Solar power generation is expected to start in August following the plants opening in July.

The solar panels are capable of generating 2.6MW, enough to supply some 460 households. The total capacity can cover 3.7% of the factory's power needs when in full operation. Honda, however, plans to sell all solar electricity generated to a power utility through the new feed-in-tariff. The FIT was introduced last summer to promote renewable energy sources.

Utilities are ordered to buy electricity generated from renewable energy sources at above-market rates for at least 10 years, encouraging businesses and individuals to enter the RE market. Honda will also equip its Yorii factory with a natural gas co-generation system that can cover up to 30% of power needed at the facility.

The Yorii factory will be Honda's most advanced. Workers will assemble a fully redesigned version of the Fit subcompact, which is expected to start rolling out this autumn.