"Solar City" proves allure of sun's energy in Japan

By Mayumi Negishi

OTA, Japan (Reuters) - Solar panels glisten across Ota City's tiny Pal Town neighbourhood, nestled among strawberry fields in one of Japan's sunniest spots, a testament to the allure of renewable energy in this resource-poor country.

Three-quarters of Pal Town's homes are covered by solar panels, which are distributed for free and have become one of the main draw-cards for residents keen to minimise their power bills.

"We moved here because of the panels -- it was something we wanted, but not something we could afford on our own," said resident Mika Hiroshima, who moved to Ota with her husband and two small children in early 2005. "It just doesn't pay."

Full Article at http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE4AA2L620081111

Tags: Japan Solar City Ota

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