JCCU Launches Solar Power Project on Roofs of Logistics Centers

Onomichi low-temperature logistics center
Copyright Japanese Consumer's Co-operative Union

Japanese Consumer's Co-operative Union (JCCU) announced on August 21, 2012, that it will develop a full-fledged project for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and install solar PV panels on the roofs of seven distribution facilities. It aims to promote renewable energy by encouraging solar power generation.

In May 2012, JCCU completed the installation of 613 kilowatts of solar PV panels on the roof of Onomichi low-temperature logistics center (Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture), which is poised to come online. In addition, another logistics center in the same city and five centers in different regions in Noda City of Chiba Prefecture, Ono of Hyogo, Tosu of Saga (two locations) and Sasaguri Town of Fukuoka, plan to install solar PV systems.

When the installation is completed, seven generation facilities will have an estimated total generating capacity of 4,012 kilowatts, producing 4.1 million kilowatt-hours per year, enough to meet the annual power consumption of 1,000 average households. All of the facilities will start generating power in March 2013.

In addition, a regional co-operative, Osaka Izumi Shimin Coop, has adopted similar efforts and started the installation of a total of 2,326 kilowatts of solar PV systems at two separate logistics centers in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture, in July 2012. Operation is slated to begin by the end of 2012.

Related JFS article:
Japanese Co-op's Throw Support into Reducing CO2 Emissions and Installing Solar Power