Japan’s solar module shipments reached 1.28 GW in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, boosted by a sharp rise in residential installations, according to new data from the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA). Domestic shipments totaled 1.273 GW, marking a 111% year-on-year increase.

Residential PV installations surged 126%, more than offsetting slower growth in the commercial segment, JPEA said in its latest quarterly report.

Foreign suppliers continued to dominate the Japanese market, delivering 828 MW—equivalent to 65% of all modules shipped—representing a 114% increase from the previous year. Japanese manufacturers shipped 452 MW, maintaining a 35% market share. Production remains heavily dependent on overseas manufacturing, with 95% of all modules produced outside Japan.

Non-residential demand reached 900 MW, up 105% year on year. This includes 490 MW for large-scale power plants and 410 MW for general commercial installations. Exports remained minimal at 6.5 MW, about two-thirds of last year’s figure.

High-power modules of 300 W and above accounted for the bulk of the volume, totaling 1.131 GW in the quarter.

According to JPEA, the results highlight Japan’s ongoing reliance on foreign manufacturing, continued strength in the residential sector, and steady expansion of large-scale solar projects, with domestic shipments led by the Southeast region.