Suzuki Motor to invest $56m in solar power plant

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor will invest around JPY5.6bn ($56m) in the development of a new solar power plant in Makinohara, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Located at the Nakazato Industrial Park, the proposed solar power plant will have an installed capacity of around 18MW and is expected to become operational in autumn 2015.

Electric utility firm Chubu Electric Power will purchase power generated at the facility, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of around 5,700 standard households.

Suzuki is also expected to promote the installation of solar panels on the unused land of Maisaka-cho, located in Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, and the roof of the Hamamatsu Plant, which is expected to be constructed in Miyakoda-cho of the Kita-ku, Hamamatsu.

The company aims to support the local community through its solar power business, while bolstering its efforts on environmental challenges by promoting local production of the energy for local consumption.

Suzuki Motor manufactures and markets motorcycles, automobiles, marine, and power products in Japan, Europe, Asia, and internationally.

The company provides passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, outboard motors, electro senior vehicles, houses, and other products, as well as engines for snowmobiles.