Project Spotlight | Lightweight Aluminum in Ibaraki: An Efficient Solution for Power Plant in The Plain

Ibaraki Prefecture, Kanto region of Japan, is situated in the vast hinterland of the Kanto Plain, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and is constantly exposed to sea breezes.The terrain is flat and open, yet it faces unique challenges including high soil moisture content, shallow groundwater tables, and seasonal typhoons. Leveraging its deep expertise in aluminum mounting systems, Grace Solar, leveraging its deep expertise in aluminum alloy mounting systems, successfully applied a lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant aluminum ground mounting system to a flatland PV project in Ibaraki.

Quantified Environmental Benefits

Following grid connection, the project is estimated to generate approximately 132,000 kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to saving about 53 tonnes of standard coal and reducing CO₂ emissions by roughly 132 tonnes per year (based on theoretical calculations using standard industry conversion factors). The plant not only provides stable green power for Ibaraki but also contributes measurable environmental benefits to support the low-carbon energy transition of both Ibaraki and the broader Kanto region.

Addressing High-Water-Table Plains

Ibaraki Prefecture has a flat terrain, but some areas have high groundwater tables, making them prone to surface water accumulation common during the rainy season. Grace Solar's aluminum ground-mounted mounting system employs a raised foundation design and moisture-proof and corrosion-resistant joints, effectively preventing long-term water erosion of the mounts and modules base. Simultaneously, the lightweight aluminum structure reduces foundation load requirements and simplifies the treatment of soft soil foundations, enabling reliable deployment under complex hydrogeological conditions.

Enhanced Wind and Corrosion Resistance

Located along the Pacific coast, Ibaraki is prone to typhoon strikes in summer and autumn, while year-round sea breezes create a salt-laden environment that demands high corrosion resistance from mounting structures. Grace Solar's aluminum mounts feature specially treated surfaces for anodized oxidation, balancing strength with salt-spray resistance. Structural design has undergone dynamic wind load simulations, and key connection points utilize integrated anti-loosening and anti-rust processes, ensuring stable operation even under strong winds and humid conditions.

The significance of the Ibaraki project extends beyond the successful grid connection of a single power plant—it represents Grace Solar's redefinition of "plain-type PV". Lightweight aluminum overcomes rigidity with agility, lowering construction barriers while ensuring safety and durability throughout the system's lifecycle. Grace Solar will continue to build on its engineering experience in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, combining more flexible technology portfolios with robust local services to help partners reduce costs and improve efficiency in complex environments. This will ensure that every power plant becomes a steadfast yet lightweight fulcrum in the regional energy transition.