[Regulatory Update] Japan requires reporting on rooftop solar capacity and targets under the Energy Conservation Act — to feed into medium- to long-term plans from FY2026

As part of efforts to shift towards non-fossil energy under the Energy Conservation Act, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is advancing a scheme to identify the potential for rooftop solar installation. Under the arrangements shown, from the medium- to long-term plans submitted from FY2026 onwards, specified business operators will be required to submit qualitative targets relating to rooftop solar installation. More detailed periodic reporting — covering roof area, seismic standards, load-bearing capacity and the area of existing solar installations — is to begin with submissions from FY2027. The scheme does not mandate blanket installation of solar equipment; it is designed to encourage operators to identify installation potential and set targets.