Kanagawa Offers Subsidy and Tax Break for Household Smart Energy Systems

Image by Oka Tai-Lee. Some Rights Reserved.

Kanagawa Prefecture, located in central Japan, started accepting applications for subsidies for household smart energy systems on April 17, 2013. The prefecture will also reduce its real estate acquisition tax by half for those who purchase a home with subsidized devices.

The subsidy and tax break program will benefit those who install energy equipment, such as a photovoltaic/fuel cell power generation system, in combination with a household energy management system (HEMS).

To be subsidized by the prefecture, HEMS devices and energy equipment must be eligible for the subsidy program of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Up to 10,000 yen (about U.S.$106.38) for HEMS devices and 50,000 yen (about U.S.$531.94) for energy equipment will be granted. The prefecture plans to provide subsidies to about 3,000 applicants.The application deadline is February 14, 2014.