Kitakyushu City SME 3E-Action (Energy Creation / Saving / Storage) Support Program (FY2026)

(1) Overview: Kitakyushu City subsidizes SMEs installing self-consumption solar PV, small wind generation, batteries, top-runner energy-saving equipment, electric vehicles (EV/PHV/PHEV) and V2H bi-directional chargers / chargers at sites inside the city, using national price-spike emergency revitalization grants. Applications are administered by the Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce & Industry. (2) Eligible applicants: SMEs (incl. sole proprietors) with a business establishment in Kitakyushu, no overdue municipal taxes, not affiliated with organized crime; SME cooperatives, shopping-district associations, and certain corporations (medical / social welfare) recognized by the mayor are also eligible; "deemed large enterprises" (50%+ owned by a single large company) are excluded. (3) Eligible expenses: (A) renewable-100% equipment (solar PV, small wind, batteries) + installation, (B) top-runner energy-saving equipment (high-efficiency AC, water heaters, boilers incl. wood biomass, transformers, refrigeration, high-bay LEDs, cogeneration, heat-shield paint, water-saving toilets, double sashes, insulation) + installation, (C) EV + V2H or charger purchase + installation. Production-line equipment generally excluded; pre-decision contracts ineligible. (4) Rates / caps / schedule: (A) PV at JPY 70k per kW of inverter capacity; small wind & batteries at 1/3 of eligible cost; (B) 1/3 of eligible cost; (C) EV / V2H up to JPY 400k each, fast charger 400k, normal charger 200k. Total JPY 500k–5M (up to 6M when PV + battery combined). Small enterprises have no lower bound. Application period: 11 May 2026 – 15 July 2026 17:00 (must arrive). Award decision: early September. Project window: post-decision through 26 Feb 2027. Performance report due within 20 days of completion or by 26 Feb 2027 (whichever earlier). Annual energy-savings activity report (Form 11) required through the year after completion.