Violations of laws and regulations of solar power plants that will not disappear, and what perspective is necessary for proper operation? : Security points for solar power generation to prevent legal violations

　In Nohara Holdings, where I belong, "to make photovoltaic power generation the main power source (not to 'convert' to a supplementary main power source)" and "O&M (maintenance, inspection, weed control, predictive maintenance, etc.) We are working on power generation business support, O&M, and its digitalization and smartization, with the aim of improving the sophistication and efficiency of power generation and improving the position of the O&M industry.

　As a social activity, I myself belong to the Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA), Renewable Energy Association for Long-term Stable Power Generation (REASP), and Japan Solar Maintenance Association (JSMA). We are also working to popularize photovoltaic power generation. On this site, from April 2018 to May 2019, we serialized "Learn from the basics about weed control in solar power plants (11 times in total)". As an author, I am very happy and honored to have so many people subscribe to my articles, such as being ranked number one in the annual article ranking. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you.

“Tailwinds” and “Headwinds” surrounding the solar power generation industry

　By the way, 2021 will bring “big tailwinds” and “headwinds” to the solar power generation industry, and a new business model from FIT. I think it was a year that could be called a transition period.

　The factors that can be said to be a big tailwind are the Cabinet decision of the 6th Strategic Energy Plan, which started with the government's "2050 Carbon Neutral Declaration", and the further promotion of energy creation and energy saving in the housing and construction fields. Toward this end, there are moves such as making ZEH (Net Zero Energy House) / ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) obligatory in 2025.

On the other hand, a major headwind is the tightening of various regulations on the solar power generation business and the growing social scrutiny of solar power generation. Concrete regulations include "implementation of reserves for disposal costs" due to concerns over abandonment and illegal dumping of equipment after the end of the power generation business, and "industrial Regulations and discipline were strengthened by various laws and ordinances, such as the obligatory reporting of accidents at low-voltage power plants.

　In addition, the Atami city debris flow disaster that occurred in July 2021 was suspected of being caused by the adjacent solar power plant, making us keenly aware of the growing scrutiny of society towards the solar power generation business. It became one case. I am concerned about the social position of photovoltaic power generation and the increasing business risks year by year (this is also one of the main reasons for writing this article).

Low awareness of legal compliance, resulting in business risks

　In order for solar power generation to become the main power source that supports Japan's energy infrastructure, legal compliance is a matter of course, but business and regional It is necessary to ensure long-term stable and safe operation by coexisting with Naturally, there are businesses that have such a philosophy and are conducting sound business operations.

　However, unfortunately, at many solar power plants, there is a current situation in which appropriate O&M, safety measures, and legal compliance are not implemented, and it can be said that this has led to the above-mentioned tightening of regulations and social impression. increase. Naturally, business risks are increasing for business operators who are striving for sound management.

　According to information from various people such as industry groups, although there are large differences depending on the region, about 50% of the low-voltage power plants, which account for 95% of the total number of industrial power plants (10 kW or more, excluding housing), have "signs・There are no fences, fences, or locks installed.

　Personally, I felt the current situation firsthand when I gave a lecture on O&M at a municipality. We received requests from many municipalities to include legal compliance and the risks of non-compliance in the content of the lecture.

Next, I will explain the current situation in more detail.