Japan’s largest international PV solar exhibition – PV EXPO 2015 kicked off on February 25th in Tokyo. PV EXPO 2015 exhibits PV cell and module manufacturers' latest manufacturing technologies, equipments, components, and materials, and offers a B2B platform for finished PV products and technologies. Japanese manufacturers, such as Sharp, Panasonic, Kyocera, Solar Frontier, as well as Yingli Green Energy, Trina Solar, and DuPont all participate in the exhibition. Meanwhile, due to the increasing system demand, the 4th PV System EXPO is expanding in comparison with last year. There are more than hundreds of PCS and EPC manufacturers participating, including China that is participating with two large-scale national pavilions for the first time. In other words, a variety of PV solutions can be found here.

Some other on-going exhibitions during World Smart Energy Week 2015 are: the 1st Energy Market Liberalisation EXPO, 5th Smart Grid EXPO, 5th ECO House & Building EXPO, 3rd Wind EXPO, 6th Battery Japan, and 11th FC Expo. There are keynote speeches and forums available for in-depth discussions over the latest technologies, challenges, applications, and future trends.

Sneak peek on the grand opening of PV EXPO 2015

The PV EXPO 2015 opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by around fifty officials and leading manufacturers from Japan, Europe, China, and USA. As Tad Ishizumi, President of Reed Japan gave a speech, he indicated that they are aiming for ten thousand participants in this year’s World Smart Energy Week 2015 and PV EXPO.

 ＾PV EXPO 2015 opening ribbon-cutting ceremony

Coverage on PV EXPO / PV System EXPO

There are 1580 manufacturers from 31 countries participating in this year’s World Smart Energy Week, in which, the number of manufacturers that joined PV EXPO 2015 and PV SYSTEM EXPO 2015 hit a new record, reaching almost five hundred. Tokyo Big Sight’s four exhibition halls, including east hall 3 and 6 are all occupied by these participants. From manufacturers’ displays, we can see each country’s industrial characteristics and market demand differences.

Taiwan PV manufacturers: Focus on efficiency

In addition to Taiwan pavilion, many Taiwan manufacturers unveil their latest technologies and products in the exhibition. Most of them still mainly focus on high-efficiency products, combining with some innovative technologies, trying to take a firm stand in the global market.

＾Gintech showcases 60 pieces of mono-si modules (Output is claimed to reach 305W)

＾Topper Sun continues to promote its iPV solar tracker

Japanese PV manufacturers: Focus on residential market applications

There have been significant changes to the PV market in Japan. Fixed FiT that diminish year after year further drives residential market demand. Quite a few manufacturers come up with new technologies for residential systems, roof-top equipments and monitoring maintenances, which show the booming residential PV market in Japan.

＾Smart energy city vision

＾Machine that can automatically clean modules

Chinese PV manufacturers: Specialize in cells and modules

In contrast to Japanese manufacturers, Chinese producers still put most of their efforts in PV cell and module technologies, aiming to create products with higher efficiencies and lower prices.

＾China pavilion that showcased for the first time