Golf’s loss is solar’s gain in Japan

Old golf course land is to become solar farms, according to Kyocera, which is working with partners on the conversions.

The most recently announced is a 23MW power plant on an abandoned golf course in Kyoto Prefecture, which will generate an estimated 26GWh/year.

“Over-development of golf properties during the real-estate boom of the 1990’s and 2000’s has led to hundreds of idle courses today that are now under analysis for repurposing or redevelopment,” said Kyocera.

Earlier this year, the firm revealed a partnership to construct and operate a 92MW solar farm on a site stretching across Kanoya City and Osaki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture – selected for golf course construction more than 30 years ago, but abandoned. 340,740 Kyocera solar modules will cover 2,000,000m2 and generate around 99GWh/year.

“In the United States, several cities in states such as Florida, Utah, Kansas and Minnesota are having public discussion and considering proposals on how best to re-purpose closed golf courses,” said Kyocera.

Above: What the 92MW Kanoya Osaki Solar Hills Solar Power Plant might look like.
Right: Abandoned golf course to become a 23MW solar farm.

steve bush

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via Yuichun