Project Spotlight | Grace Solar Brings Lightweight Resilient Aluminum to Kochi Japan

Kochi Prefecture in Japan’s Shikoku region is known for its steep, hilly terrain and abundant rainfall, consistently ranking among Japan’s highest annual precipitation areas. Leveraging its deep technical expertise in aluminum alloy support structures, Grace Solar successfully applied an aluminum alloy single-pile mounting system to a mountainous photovoltaic project in Kochi. This solution significantly reduced construction challenges in the complex terrain, aligning with the principle of “precision adaptation and environmental friendliness” for mountain installations.

Once connected to the grid, the project is expected to generate approximately 2.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to saving about 880 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 2,190 tons each year. The station not only provides a stable supply of clean energy to the local area but also contributes tangibly to Kochi’s renewable energy goals and regional low-carbon transition through measurable environmental benefits.

Terrain Compliance

With Kochi’s rugged topography and variable soil conditions, Grace Solar’s team conducted precise geological surveys during the planning phase to tailor a differentiated piling solution. The depth and angle of each pile were rigorously calculated to ensure secure anchoring on slopes while minimizing soil disruption and protecting the fragile mountain ecosystem.

Dual-Force Resistance

The design fully complies with Japan’s stringent photovoltaic mounting standards (JIS), incorporating dynamic wind tunnel simulations and seismic response analysis. Critical connection points feature multi-layered anti-loosening designs, enabling the system to maintain high stability and strength even during severe wind and rain, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power station.

Localized Collaboration

Throughout the project, Grace Solar worked closely with local partners to overcome challenges such as limited site space and construction during the rainy season. Modular pre-assembly and standardized installation processes significantly improved efficiency in complex terrain, ensuring the project was connected to the grid as scheduled.

As another milestone for Grace Solar in Japan, the Kochi project demonstrates the technical resilience of the aluminum alloy single-pile solution in complex terrain and highly corrosive environments. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen our presence in the East Asian market, partnering with more collaborators to provide mounting solutions that balance environmental adaptability and cost-effectiveness for renewable energy projects worldwide. We aim to see clean energy take root in vast ground-mounted power plant projects, transforming every ray of sunlight into a solid force driving the green energy transition.