Facility to Boost Solar Component Production
GBP will open a new manufacturing and development hub in Yamaguchi City, Japan, in May 2026. This 50,000 square metre state-of-the-art facility will focus on producing solar components, battery storage systems, and electrical interconnection products.
The increasing demand for replacement components in solar repowering projects across Japan, Europe, and Australia has prompted this development. GBP aims to meet this growing need by enhancing its supply chain capabilities and ensuring compliance with the JC-STAR cybersecurity certification, which will become mandatory starting in 2027.
The facility will benefit domestic and international customers by offering shorter lead times and standardised certification. It is designed to support product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and preparation for third-party certification requirements.
Meeting New Cybersecurity Standards
The JC-STAR cybersecurity labelling scheme in Japan will soon become essential for grid connection eligibility. GBP’s new facility will incorporate processes for conformity assessment and compliance tracking. Similar regulatory trends are also being observed in Europe and Australia.
GBP’s prior experience in third-party certification processes, including obtaining JET certification for high-voltage aluminium cables in 2025, positions it well for future demands. The Yamaguchi facility will begin phased production in May 2026, with full operations expected by 2027.
This site will not only serve as a production hub but also facilitate technical collaborations and potential contract manufacturing with external partners. It aims to support both domestic and international markets, including EPC contractors and asset owners.
Solar installations in key regions are entering repowering cycles, increasing the demand for compatible replacement equipment. GBP’s Yamaguchi facility is set to address these needs by providing solutions such as solar components, power conditioning equipment, and interconnection hardware.
The facility will integrate product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and certification support functions. This comprehensive approach will enhance GBP’s ability to promptly and efficiently manufacture and deliver high-quality renewable energy components.
According to GBP, the Yamaguchi site will also prepare for the JC-STAR conformity assessment, documentation management, and compliance tracking, ensuring adherence to emerging cybersecurity standards. The company plans to serve domestic and international customers with shorter lead times, supporting the growing demand for solar repowering projects worldwide.
GBP’s investment in the Yamaguchi facility represents a strategic move to strengthen its production capacity for solar and energy infrastructure components. It will prepare the company for emerging cybersecurity certification requirements and facilitate expansion into new markets.
Last updated: 27 April 2026, 3:04 pm
