2009 Volume 7 Pages 143-158
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the diffusion of wind power systems and residential photovoltaic systems (PV) in Japan by focusing on the interaction between technology and markets and to contribute towards recommendations on technology policy and management. This paper proposes a framework for analyzing the early stage of diffusion processes regarding these systems as the complex technological systems by combining the use of several approaches. Firstly, technological factors are investigated by analyzing the adoption of usage. Secondly, economic factors are evaluated by analyzing the installation and running costs for these systems. Furthermore, effective diffusion factors of these systems are investigated by analyzing the stakes among actors including an analysis of the demand related factors of the residential PV customers obtained by a questionnaire (carried out by New Energy Foundation in Japan in 2004). Thirdly, a comparison is made on the value of investments for these systems and some issues of concern are pointed out. Our recommendations on technology policy are given and we conclude as follows.
In Japan, these systems were developed efficiently and potential power exists for diffusing renewable energy. However, effective measures for raising the incentives for stakeholders, including institutional reform would be required.
