Japan's solar energy boom runs out of steam

Makurazaki, Japan

RICE fields, golf courses and even a disused airport runway. All over the southern Japanese region of Kyushu, unexpected places gleam with electricity-producing solar panels.

Solar use in Japan has exploded in the last two years as part of an ambitious national effort to promote renewable energy. But the technology's future role is now in doubt.

Utilities say their infrastructure cannot handle the swelling army of solar entrepreneurs intent on selling their power. And their willingness to invest more money depends heavily on whether the government remains committed to clean energy.

"It's upsetting," said Junji Akagi, a real estate developer on Ukushima, a tiny island near Nagasaki. He said he hoped to turn a quarter of the island's 2,590-hectare area into a "m…