GBP has completed more than 230 megawatts (MW) of solar repowering projects in Japan, swapping out over 300,000 degraded or obsolete solar panels across multiple aging sites.
The projects target early Feed-in Tariff (FIT) assets facing reduced performance due to aging modules, outdated power conditioning systems (PCS), and damage from typhoons and seismic events.
GBP’s vertically integrated repowering model offers panel-for-panel replacement with units that match original dimensions but deliver up to 40 per cent more output. It also includes mechanical upgrades, PCS replacements, enhanced monitoring systems, and a shift to aluminium cabling to reduce theft risk and costs.
“In addition to our in-house panel design and manufacturing, we manage design, installation, O&M, and recycling, all under one roof,” said the company in a statement.
“This allows us to control lead times and ensure regulatory compliance.”
One typical 1MW project with panel and inverter upgrades saw a 40 per cent lift in annual output and nearly doubled its internal rate of return – from 5.2 per cent to 10 per cent.
According to GBP, its repowering projects now achieve an average performance ratio of 98 per cent, with cost reductions of up to 43 per cent compared to full system replacement.
GBP has identified compatibility with more than 1000 module models and 130 obsolete types registered with Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA), positioning it as a key player in Japan’s repowering market. The company also holds construction licenses for projects up to 35MW.
As Japan’s first-generation FIT plants continue to age past their original incentive periods, repowering is becoming an increasingly attractive option to maintain grid parity. GBP is now turning its focus to export markets, including Australia, the EU, and the US, offering IRR simulations and fast-track estimates for international asset owners.