Kaneka Signs On-Site PPA Agreement for Heavy Snowfall Areas with Hokkaido Numata Town
-Contributing to Decarbonization and Disaster Response Using a Combination of Bifacial, Vertically Mounted Solar Panel Systems-
KANEKA CORPORATION
November 6, 2025
Kaneka Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazuhiko Fujii) has signed an on-site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) (*1) with Hokkaido Numata Town, with which it has a Comprehensive Regional Revitalization Partnership Agreement (*2). This project involves the installation of bifacial, vertically mounted solar panel systems (*3) for municipalities in heavy snowfall areas. The agreement was concluded in October 2025, with operations scheduled to begin in April 2026.November 6, 2025
This project involves the installation of bifacial, vertically mounted solar panel systems and battery storage systems at the municipally owned Horosin Onsen in Numata Town, one of Hokkaido’s most snow-prone areas. Through this initiative, Kaneka will provide an on-site PPA service to the town, contributing to its decarbonization efforts. In times of emergency, the system will function as a microgrid (*5), serving as a power source for local evacuation centers and disaster response. The systems are being installed with support from the Hokkaido Government’s Subsidy Program for the Introduction of New Energy Facilities.
The bifacial, vertically mounted solar panel systems feature a design that minimizes the risk of damage from snow loads while maintaining stable power generation, making them suitable for addressing the sustainable energy issue in regions with heavy snowfall. This technology helps address challenges associated with renewable energy utilization in such environments. Additionally, the vertical installation design allows for potential application in solar sharing (*6). Through this project, Kaneka aims to establish a scalable on-site PPA business model tailored for snowy regions, contributing to both decarbonization and disaster response through broader deployment.
Based on our mission of KANEKA thinks “Wellness First”, we are committed to creating a society where everyone can benefit from the blessings of nature and access clean, sustainable resources and energy. We contribute to local communities with total energy solutions using our environmentally friendly products such as solar cells and heat insulating materials.
(*1) An on-site PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) is a scheme whereby solar power systems are installed on the premises of a service facility, and the electricity generated is purchased under a long-term contract from the installer or operating entity.
(*2) Signing of the Comprehensive Regional Revitalization Partnership Agreement with Numata Town on April 18, 2018 （https://www.kaneka.co.jp/topics/information/in20180607/）
(*3) Solar panel systems that adopt a vertical installation method and uses bifacial panels capable of receiving sunlight from both the east and west sides. This design reduces the impact of snow accumulation and helps maintain power generation efficiency even in high-latitude regions with limited sunlight hours.
(*4) A small-scale power network designed to generate, store, and supply electricity independently. It is capable of autonomous operation during emergencies.
(*5) An initiative to install solar panels on farmland to generate electricity. Vertical installation enables agricultural machinery to operate without obstruction, allowing for dual use of the land.
Image of Bifacial, Vertically Mounted Solar Panel Systems
(*2) Signing of the Comprehensive Regional Revitalization Partnership Agreement with Numata Town on April 18, 2018 （https://www.kaneka.co.jp/topics/information/in20180607/）
(*3) Solar panel systems that adopt a vertical installation method and uses bifacial panels capable of receiving sunlight from both the east and west sides. This design reduces the impact of snow accumulation and helps maintain power generation efficiency even in high-latitude regions with limited sunlight hours.
(*4) A small-scale power network designed to generate, store, and supply electricity independently. It is capable of autonomous operation during emergencies.
(*5) An initiative to install solar panels on farmland to generate electricity. Vertical installation enables agricultural machinery to operate without obstruction, allowing for dual use of the land.
Image of Bifacial, Vertically Mounted Solar Panel Systems
