A German-educated engineer with more than three decades of professional experience in Japan, Rosenkranz introduced his company R&L's solar power installation business with the presentation title of “CLEAN ENERGY – SOLAR: German Engineering, Japanese Quality Management, Chinese OEM.” This synergy, he noted, is the foundation for expanding the reach of clean energy technologies and accelerating global decarbonization.
R&L has established itself as a leader in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) for solar energy systems, delivering comprehensive solutions from project design and procurement to construction and maintenance. During his presentation, Rosenkranz introduced several of R&L’s most innovative systems, each designed to address specific environmental and spatial conditions.
The company’s Mega Solar systems—available in both fixed and single-axis tracking configurations—optimize energy output by aligning with the sun’s movement regardless of weather conditions. The fixed systems ensure long-term stability, while the single-axis tracking systems dynamically adjust panel angles to capture sunlight throughout the day. This intelligent engineering enhances efficiency and makes better use of available land.
Another notable design, the Solar Carport, demonstrates how renewable energy can be integrated into everyday infrastructure. These dual-purpose structures offer sheltered parking for vehicles while simultaneously generating electricity and supporting electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. Rosenkranz explained that such projects not only reduce operational costs but also serve as visible commitments to environmental responsibility in urban and commercial areas.
He then introduced R&L’s distinctive Suichoku or vertical solar panels, part of the company’s Agri PV series. The Suichoku system features bifacial modules installed vertically, allowing sunlight to be absorbed from both sides. This design is particularly effective in agricultural settings such as rice fields, soba farms, and grasslands, where crops can grow beneath the panels. By generating electricity mainly in the morning and evening, these vertical systems can achieve five to fifteen percent higher output than traditional south-facing arrays. The same technology is also adaptable for installation along railways, highways, and airports, functioning as energy-generating noise barriers and offering dual benefits of land efficiency and environmental utility.
Rosenkranz also introduced Floating Solar (FPV) systems, which are installed on the surface of ponds, dams, and reservoirs. Floating solar panels benefit from the natural cooling effect of water, leading to higher energy generation while minimizing water evaporation and algae growth. These systems provide an ideal solution in regions where land resources are limited, further reinforcing R&L’s ability to adapt renewable energy technologies to diverse environments.
Concluding his technical presentation, Rosenkranz unveiled SkyH2O + RE, an innovative climate technology that merges solar energy with atmospheric water generation. By using surplus renewable energy to extract and purify water from the air, this system contributes to sustainable resource management, particularly in water-scarce regions. He noted that areas such as Kyushu have shown growing interest in this technology, utilizing the environmental conditions such as high humidity.
Q&A Session: Innovation, Efficiency, and the Future of Clean Energy
Following the keynote, an engaging Q&A session provided deeper insight into the evolving landscape of solar energy technology. Discussions centered on recent advances in module efficiency, environmental accountability, and the intersection between solar and water-based systems.
As for the efficiency of the solar panel installs, Rosenkranz highlighted that modern solar panels now produce roughly one and a half times more power within the same physical space compared to earlier generations. A participant also commented on emerging thin solar cell technologies, offering flexibility and adaptability to complicated geographic surfaces like Japan, including rooftops and carbon-based materials, expanding the range of potential installation sites. R&L's innovative & creative solar system addresses these points.
Environmental considerations were another focal point. Mr Rosenkranz noted that carbon reduction has become the leading benchmark for evaluating new technologies. Companies and governments alike are now prioritizing measurable outcomes in emission reductions, supported by new calculation systems that track the environmental impact of energy production.
The discussion turned to innovations linking solar power with water technology. Rosenkranz shared examples of container-based systems capable of collecting and purifying water using solar energy. He mentioned pilot projects in Hawaii that demonstrate how solar-powered purification systems can provide clean water in remote or arid regions, with further potential for deployment in other markets facing water scarcity.
Reflecting on these developments, Rosenkranz summarized his vision with a forward-looking statement:
“The currency of tomorrow is carbon savings. Efficiency alone is no longer enough" — true innovation must balance technological performance with environmental responsibility.
These exchanges highlighted the growing sophistication of solar energy systems and their expanding role in addressing global sustainability challenges.
R&L has implemented over 970 megawatts of solar capacity across 21 prefectures in Japan, and an additional 1,800 megawatts internationally, including projects in Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Through its continued focus on engineering excellence and environmental balance, the company remains a driving force in advancing practical, scalable clean-energy solutions worldwide.
(IRuniverse R.S.)
