JinkoSolar has announced it is to provide its high efficiency Tiger Neo modules for a 2.9MWp solar park at a ski resort in Japan’s Nagano prefecture. The plant, covering an area of 3 hectares (7.4 acres), is expected to generate an annual 389,000 kWh, enough to meet the energy needs of 600 local homes.
The ski sector is one of the most at risk industries as a result of climate change, but it faces its own unique set of land issues and local community barriers to implementing a solar system. After several bidding phases, JinkoSolar’s technology and Tiger Neo modules were eventually selected, being considered the most suitable solution for a ski resort when taking into account aspects such as land utilization, minimum shade effect from snow accumulation, environmental impact, snow load capability and lower O&M requirements.
Construction was funded by Shizen Energy, which retains responsibility for management of the plant, with its subsidiary juwi Shizen Energy serving as EPC contractor and juwi Shizen Energy Operations providing operation and maintenance.