Shipments of solar cells and modules have increased by over 100% in Japan on a year-on-year basis, including an increasing presence by foreign companies, according to a survey conducted by the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA).

The latest figures, which cover 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, show that both module and cell shipments increased vastly - around two-fold in the case of modules.

Within the domestic market alone, module shipments were up 205% on a year-on-year comparison basis and stood at 8,625MW; cell delivery was up 135%, standing at 2,978MW, JPEA found.

Traditionally, the Japanese domestic market for all goods, including solar cells and modules tends to favour high-quality products with Japanese branding. However, due in part to limited capacity at Japanese manufacturing facilities, the market share held by foreign companies is steadily increasing, a conclusion which the latest JPEA figures would appear to back up.

The ratio of domestically produced modules sold in Japan remains high at 71% of the total shipments surveyed, while nonetheless representing a decrease of 6% from 77% last year. The overall percentage of shipments that were produced by Japanese companies including exports dropped to 44% from 62%.

According to the association, 44 international and domestic solar companies responded to the survey, out of 47 that were approached. There were 22 Japanese companies which responded, including Japan Solar Factory (J-Solar), Solar Frontier, Fuji Electric, Sharp and Panasonic. Meanwhile companies incorporated outside Japan and of which at least 50% ownership is in the hands of non-Japanese companies that responded included First Solar Japan, Suntech Power Japan, Hanwah Q Cells Japan, REC Solar and Hareon Solar.

JPEA is a loosely organised association of companies seeking to disseminate information on solar PV to Japanese consumers, as opposed to a trade association or advocacy body.