Flowchart Legend[Step Name]: Name of the main procedureResponsible Authority: The organization in charge of that stepEstimated Timeline: Typical duration for the procedureKey Assessment Criteria: Main points emphasized in the review, or criteria for approval/denialStart of Process↓[1. Project Planning & Initial Investigation]Responsible Authority: Project Operator, Experts (e.g., Consultants)Estimated Timeline: Approx. 1–2 monthsKey Assessment Criteria:Farmland suitability (land category, within/outside agricultural promotion areas, soil, sunlight conditions)Consistency between cultivation plan and panel design(For degraded farmland) Feasibility of degraded farmland certification↓[2. Temporary Agricultural Land Conversion Permit Application (Pre-consultation)]Responsible Authority: Municipal Agricultural Committee SecretariatEstimated Timeline: Approx. 1–2 months (preparation period before document submission)Key Assessment Criteria:Feasibility of farming plan (crops, yield, mechanization, labor force)Adequacy of facility design (height, shading rate, pillar placement)Impact on adjacent farmland (sunlight, drainage)Key Point: Crucial to address concerns at this stage before formal application.↓[3. Grid Connection Study Request (Power Company)]Responsible Authority: Regional Power Company (Transmission & Distribution Division)Estimated Timeline:Low-voltage (under 50kW): Approx. 1–2 months (for study response)High-voltage (50kW or more): Approx. 2–4 months (for study response)Key Assessment Criteria:Impact on the power gridAvailability of connection capacityProvisional estimate of construction contribution feesKey Point: Proceed in parallel with farmland conversion. Understanding construction costs and curtailment risks is vital.↓[4. Temporary Agricultural Land Conversion Permit Application (Formal Application)]Responsible Authority: Municipal Agricultural Committee → Prefectural Governor (or Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)Estimated Timeline:Small-scale (under 50kW): Approx. 1 month (after Agricultural Committee acceptance, until permit notification)Large-scale (500kW or more): Approx. 1.5–2 months (after Agricultural Committee acceptance, until permit notification)Overall Estimate: Approx. 2–3 months for small-scale (including pre-consultation), 3.5–6 months for large-scale.Key Assessment Criteria:Continuity of Farming: Specificity and feasibility of the farming planNo Obstruction to Adjacent Farmland: Ensuring no negative impact on sunlight, drainage, or workabilityStructural Safety: Earthquake/wind resistance, ease of removalStatus of Community Consensus BuildingEnhanced points after 2024 Amendment: Detailed documentation of farming records, clear role-sharing agreements, records of local consultations.↓ (After Permit Acquisition)[5. FIT/FIP Business Plan Certification Application]Responsible Authority: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)Estimated Timeline: Several weeks to several months (depending on the project)Key Assessment Criteria:Existence of grid connection agreement (mandatory)Eligibility of the business plan (facility size, location, start of operation date, etc.)↓[6. Grid Connection Application & Contract Signing (Power Company)]Responsible Authority: Regional Power Company (Transmission & Distribution Division)Estimated Timeline:Low-voltage: Approx. 1 monthHigh-voltage: Approx. 1–2 monthsKey Assessment Criteria:Detailed agreement based on grid connection study resultsAgreement on payment of construction contribution fees↓[7. Building Confirmation Application (If Required)]Responsible Authority: Designated Administrative Agency or Certified Building Confirmation BodyEstimated Timeline: Several weeks to several months (depending on structure size and complexity)Key Assessment Criteria:Compliance with structural safety standardsCompliance with Building Standards Act (e.g., evacuation routes, fire protection)↓[8. Connection Work & Grid Connection Completion]Responsible Authority: Power Company, Project Operator (Construction Company)Estimated Timeline:Low-voltage: 1–3 monthsHigh-voltage: 6 months to over 12 monthsKey Assessment Criteria:Physical connection to the power grid completedFinal inspection of electrical facilities passed↓[9. Start of Operation]↓ (After Start of Operation)[10. Periodic Reporting Obligation (Annual Report)]Responsible Authority: Municipal Agricultural CommitteeEstimated Timeline: Once per yearKey Assessment Criteria:Presence of Farming Activity: Actual cultivation status, yield, and evidence of farming activitiesNo significant deviation from the farming planProper maintenance of agricultural landKey Point: Failure to report risks FIT/FIP certification cancellation or removal orders.↓[11. Permit Renewal (at 10-year mark)]Responsible Authority: Municipal Agricultural Committee → Prefectural GovernorEstimated Timeline: Several months before permit expirationKey Assessment Criteria:Continuous farming record over the past 10 yearsProper maintenance status of the facilityNo adverse impact on adjacent agricultural land