Milestone-Proposal talk:First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan

Advocates’ Checklist (Read Only; Do Not Edit)

1. Is the proposal for an achievement rather than for a person? If the citation includes a person's name, have the proposers provided the required justification for inclusion of the person's name?
2. Was the proposed achievement a significant advance rather than an incremental improvement to an existing technology?
3. Were there prior or contemporary achievements of a similar nature? If so, have they been properly considered in the background information and in the citation?
4. Has the achievement truly led to a functioning, useful, or marketable technology?
5. Is the proposal adequately supported by significant references (minimum of five) such as patents, contemporary newspaper articles, journal articles, or citations to pages in scholarly books? At least one of the references should be from a peer-reviewed scholarly book or journal article. The full text of the material, not just the references, shall be present. If the supporting texts are copyright-encumbered and cannot be posted on the ETHW for intellectual property reasons, the proposers shall email a copy to the History Center so that it can be forwarded to the Advocate. If the Advocate does not consider the supporting references sufficient, the Advocate may ask the proposer(s) for additional ones.
6. Are the scholarly references sufficiently recent?
7. Does the proposed citation explain why the achievement was successful and impactful?
8. Does the proposed citation include important technical aspects of the achievement?
9. Is the proposed citation readable and understandable by the general public?
10. Will the citation be read correctly in the future by only using past tense? Does the citation wording avoid statements that read accurately only at the time that the proposal is written?
11. Does the proposed plaque site fulfill the requirements?
12. Is the proposal quality comparable to that of IEEE publications?
13. Are any scientific and technical units correct (e.g., km, mm, hertz, etc.)? Are acronyms correct and properly upper-cased or lower-cased? Are the letters in any acronym explained in the title or the citation?
14. Are date formats correct as specified in Section 6 of Milestones Program Guidelines? Helpful Hints on Citations, plaque locations
15. Do the year(s) appearing in the citation fall within the range of the year(s) included at the end of the title?
16. Note that it is the Advocate's responsibility to confirm that the independent reviewers have no conflict of interest (e.g., that they do not work for a company or a team involved in the achievement being proposed, that they have not published with the proposer(s), and have not worked on a project related to the funding of the achievement). An example of a way to check for this would be to search reviewers' publications on IEEE Xplore.

Independent Expert Reviewers’ Checklist

1. Is suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?
2. Is evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation?
3. Does proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?
4. Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?
5. Have proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?

In answering the questions above, the History Committee asks that independent expert reviewers apply a similar level of rigor to that used to peer-review an article, or evaluate a research proposal. Some elaboration is desirable. Of course the Committee would welcome any additional observations that you may have regarding this proposal.

Submission and Approval Log (For staff use only)

Submitted date: 16 June 2025
Advocate approval date:23 June 2025
History Committee approval date: 8 July 2025
Board of Directors approval date:

Expert Reviewer's Report_1_Nishimori uploaded by Advocate -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 05:14, 18 June 2025 (UTC)

Review Report for IEEE Milestone Proposal:
First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan, 1958.

(1) Is suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?
Yes. The proposed plaque citation is accurate and appropriately concise. It clearly identifies the location (Mount Shinobu-Yama), the organizations involved (Tohoku Electric Power and NEC), the year of achievement (1958), and the technical significance of the installation. The wording effectively conveys the pioneering nature of the project and its contribution to solar energy research in Japan.

(2) Is evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation?
Yes. The proposal provides detailed technical and historical documentation to support the citation. It describes how 4,320 silicon solar cells were used to generate 70 watts of power, which was stored in nickel-cadmium batteries and used to operate a 45-watt transistor-based relay module continuously. The system was installed at a mountaintop radio relay station and functioned autonomously, demonstrating the practical viability of solar energy in a real-world application. The references cited in the proposal—including internal reports, technical specifications, and historical records—are sufficient to substantiate the claims.

(3) Does the proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?
Yes. This installation was a landmark achievement in Japan’s energy and telecommunications history. At a time when solar technology was still in its early stages globally, the project demonstrated the feasibility of using photovoltaic systems in remote, off-grid environments. The integration of silicon solar cells with nickel-cadmium batteries to ensure 24/7 operation of a radio relay station was both innovative and forward-looking. The system’s ability to operate independently of the power grid in a mountainous region addressed a critical infrastructure challenge and laid the foundation for future developments in renewable energy and energy storage technologies. It also marked the first practical application of solar power in Japan, making it a historically significant milestone.

(4) Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?
Yes. The proposal acknowledges that solar energy research was underway in other countries during the 1950s. However, it clearly distinguishes this installation as the first of its kind in Japan and one of the earliest globally to be deployed in a real-world, operational setting. Unlike many contemporary efforts that remained experimental, this system was installed at an actual radio relay station and operated reliably without external power sources. The proposers also highlight the system’s technical uniqueness—particularly the use of battery storage to enable continuous operation—which set it apart from other early solar applications that were limited to daytime use or lacked integration with communication infrastructure.

(5) Have proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?
Yes. The project demonstrated the potential of solar energy to provide reliable power in remote and inaccessible locations, which has far-reaching implications for global energy access and environmental sustainability. By proving that photovoltaic systems could support critical infrastructure, the installation contributed to the early adoption of renewable energy technologies in Japan. It also inspired further research and development in solar cell manufacturing and battery systems, helping to establish Japan as a leader in clean energy innovation. The environmental benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the social benefits of enabling communication in remote areas underscore the project’s lasting value to humanity.

In Conclusion:
The 1958 solar battery-operated installation by Tohoku Electric Power and NEC at Mount Shinobu-Yama represents a pioneering achievement in renewable energy and telecommunications. Its successful integration of solar generation and battery storage in a remote, off-grid application was both technically innovative and historically significant. This milestone not only contributed to Japan’s leadership in sustainable energy but also demonstrated a clear benefit to society. I strongly recommend this proposal for recognition as an IEEE Milestone.

Yasushi Nishimori, Ph. D., Fellow of FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

[Advocate remarks] Dr. Nishimori is a proposer of the IEEE Milestone #267 "Commercialization of the Fish Finder, 1949".

Re: Expert Reviewer's Report_1_Nishimori uploaded by Advocate -- KM (talk) 09:03, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

Solar cells were a very expensive source of electricity at the time, but we would like to thank the reviewers for their understanding of the process by which we investigated the phenomenon and solved the issues with a view to future practical application. Thanks so much. Regards, Katsumasa Mukaiyama

Expert Reviewer's Report_2_Shinoda uploaded by Advocate -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 07:51, 18 June 2025 (UTC)

IEEE Milestone Review Report: First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan

This report provides a review of the IEEE Milestone Proposal:
"First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan," found at
https://ieeemilestones.ethw.org/Milestone-Proposal:First_Solar_Battery-operated_Installation_in_Japan.

The review addresses the five questions outlined in the Reviewers’ Checklist.

Reviewers’ Checklist:

(1) Is suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?
Yes, the suggested wording of the Plaque Citation is accurate and effectively summarizes the achievement:
"Japan's first solar panel was installed at Mount Shinobu-yama radio relay station by Tohoku Electric Power and NEC in 1958, generating 70 watts to power a 4.5-watt relay module for 24/7 operation. This pioneering off-grid system demonstrated solar energy's viability, sparking advancements in photovoltaic and rechargeable battery research, and contributing significantly to Japan's ongoing efforts in sustainable energy innovation."

(2) Is evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation?
Yes, the evidence presented in the "Historical Significance" section of the proposal provides sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation. It details that Tohoku Electric Power Company and NEC collaborated on this project in 1957, leading to the installation of solar panels on Mount Shinobu-yama (Fukushima Prefecture) in early November 1958, with the station commencing operation on November 15, 1958. This substantiates the claim of it being Japan's first such installation.

(3) Does proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?
Yes, the proposed milestone represents a significant technical achievement. As detailed in the "Historical Significance" and "Other Relevant Technical Details" sections, this installation in 1958 was Japan's pioneering effort in utilizing solar energy for a practical, continuous operation. The system featured 4,320 solar cells, generating 70 watts to power a 4.5-watt VHF radio relay module 24/7, with sealed nickel-cadmium batteries providing up to a month of backup. This demonstrated the viability of off-grid solar power for critical infrastructure, showcasing advanced engineering for its time.

(4) Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?
Yes, the proposers have adequately described similar achievements and how this work distinguishes itself. The "Features Setting This Work Apart from Similar Achievements" section notes that while silicon solar cells were developed by Bell Labs in 1954 and used in space applications (e.g., Vanguard I satellite in 1958), their widespread terrestrial use in practical systems was not common. This proposal clearly highlights that the Mount Shinobu-yama installation was one of the earliest examples of a practical, continuous, and off-grid solar-powered system for a critical communication network on Earth.

(5) Have proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?
Yes, the proposers have shown a clear benefit to humanity. The "Clear Benefit to Humanity" section emphasizes that this achievement enhanced the safety and efficiency of operations in remote communication networks. Furthermore, it significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels and minimized maintenance requirements, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions and the expansion of communication infrastructure in challenging environments.

Conclusion:
The "Solar Battery-operated Installation" by Tohoku Electric Power and NEC on Mount Shinobu-yama represents a highly significant technical and historical asset. Its pioneering nature as Japan's first practical, continuous solar-powered installation, its innovative engineering for a remote communication system, and its clear benefits to humanity by fostering sustainable energy and robust communication networks, make it an outstanding candidate for recognition. Therefore, I strongly recommend this achievement for designation as an IEEE Milestone.

Dr. Tsutae Shinoda, Inventor of Color Plasma Television.

[Advocate remarks] Dr. Shinoda is the inventor of the color plasma television. His name is mentioned in the citation for IEEE Milestone #2024-36, “Color Plasma Television, 1993” approved by IEEE.

Re: Expert Reviewer's Report_2_Shinoda uploaded by Advocate -- KM (talk) 09:31, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

We are extremely grateful that this system, installed in 1958, has been recognized as a pioneering effort in Japan to harness solar energy for practical, sustainable operation. Regards, Katsumasa Mukaiyama

Expert Reviewer's Report_3_Matsumoto uploaded by Advocate -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 02:39, 19 June 2025 (UTC)

Review Report for IEEE Milestone Proposal:

(1) Is suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?
Yes. The proposed plaque citation accurately summarizes the core achievement: the installation of Japan's first solar panel at the Mount Shinobu-yama radio relay station by Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. in 1958. It correctly highlights the system's capacity to generate 70 watts to power a 4.5-watt relay module for continuous 24/7 operation, underscoring its pioneering role in demonstrating solar energy's viability in Japan.

(2) Is evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation?
Yes. The proposal provides detailed technical documentation, including:
System Configuration: The installation comprised 4,320 silicon solar cells and nickel-cadmium batteries, generating 70 watts to power a 4.5-watt transistor-based relay module continuously.
Operational Details: The system operated reliably in a remote and harsh environment, showcasing the practical viability of solar energy for critical infrastructure.
Historical Context: The project was a collaboration between Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. and NEC, marking a significant milestone in Japan's renewable energy history.
These details substantiate the claim of this installation being Japan's first solar battery-operated system, providing credible and verifiable evidence of its implementation and operation.

(3) Does the proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?
Yes. This installation represents a significant technical achievement as it marked Japan's first real-world application of solar power for critical infrastructure. The system's integration of 4,320 silicon solar cells and nickel-cadmium batteries to generate 70 watts for continuous operation of a 4.5-watt relay module demonstrated the feasibility of solar energy in remote and off-grid locations. At a time when photovoltaic technology was largely experimental, this achievement showcased the effective integration of generation, storage, and low-power electronics—a blueprint for modern renewable systems.

(4) Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?
Yes. The proposers acknowledge parallel developments in solar energy systems globally. However, the Shinobu-yama installation is distinguished by its early and successful deployment in Japan, operating reliably in a remote and harsh environment. The proposal effectively contextualizes this achievement within the global development of solar technology and highlights its pioneering role in Japan.

(5) Have proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?
Yes. The installation provided a sustainable energy solution to a remote radio relay station, enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations in a critical communication network. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing maintenance, the project contributed to environmental sustainability and demonstrated the practical benefits of renewable energy in real-world applications.

Conclusion:
The "First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan" at Mount Shinobu-yama represents a pioneering achievement in the integration of solar photovoltaic and battery storage technologies for critical infrastructure. Its historical, technological, and societal contributions are clear and well-documented. I strongly recommend this proposal for recognition as an IEEE Milestone.

Sincerely,

Hiroyuki Matsumoto, Noritake Itron Corporation.

[Advocate remarks] Mr. Matsumoto is a proposer of the IEEE Milestone #2024-26“ Vacuum Fluorescent Displays” approved by IEEE.

Re: Expert Reviewer's Report_3_Matsumoto uploaded by Advocate -- KM (talk) 09:40, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing maintenance, this project contributes to environmental sustainability and demonstrates the practical benefits of renewable energy in a real-world application - we appreciate the recognition. Regards, Katsumasa Mukaiyama

Expert Reviewer's Report_4_Uchiya uploaded by Advocate -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 05:40, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

Review Report for IEEE Milestone Proposal: First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan.

As requested, this is my expert review of the IEEE Milestone Proposal titled "First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan", submitted by Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

This review is structured according to the five-point checklist provided by the IEEE History Committee.

1. Is the suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?

Yes. The proposed plaque citation is accurate and concise. It appropriately summarizes the technological achievement—Japan’s first solar battery-operated installation completed by Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. in 1958. The terminology and phrasing reflect the technical and historical significance of the event and are suitable for commemorative purposes.

2. Is evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Plaque Citation?

Yes. The proposal provides substantial evidence supporting the plaque citation. The Historical Significance and Supporting Materials sections include technical details, project objectives, location, and implementation timeline. Reference documents, internal reports, and photographs support the claim that this installation was the first of its kind in Japan to combine photovoltaic generation with battery storage for practical, long-term use.

3. Does the proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?

Yes. The milestone represents an important technical innovation in renewable energy. In 1958, the idea of integrating solar photovoltaic power with battery storage for standalone use was still emerging. This project demonstrated the feasibility of such systems in real-world settings. The installation provided electricity to a remote mountainous area that was not connected to the power grid—an environment where conventional energy delivery was impractical due to geographic and infrastructural challenges. The system included PV panels, lead-acid batteries, a power conditioner, and control units, forming one of Japan’s earliest autonomous solar-battery systems.

4. Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?

Yes. The proposal acknowledges that solar and battery technologies were being explored globally in the late 1950s, but it distinguishes this installation through its practical implementation in a challenging, off-grid location. The section “Features Setting This Work Apart” emphasizes that while similar technologies existed, this system was one of the first to be fully deployed and operated over the long term for actual residential use. The utility-led nature of the project further underscores its importance.

5. Have proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?

Yes. The proposal clearly demonstrates societal value. The installation improved the quality of life in an isolated mountain village by providing reliable electricity where it was previously unavailable. More broadly, the project served as a proof of concept for renewable energy applications in geographically constrained areas, contributing to Japan’s long-term energy diversification and sustainability goals. It set a precedent for off-grid, environmentally responsible energy solutions.

Conclusion:
The First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan by Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. is a landmark achievement in the history of renewable energy technology. It represents a pioneering application of solar power and battery storage in a remote mountainous area, serving as both a technical milestone and a socially impactful project.
I strongly support the designation of this achievement as an IEEE Milestone.

Takahiro Uchiya, Ph. D.
Professor, Nagoya Institute of Technology.
Chair of IEEE Consumer Technology Society West Japan Chapter.

Re: Expert Reviewer's Report_4_Uchiya uploaded by Advocate -- KM (talk) 09:49, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

We are extremely grateful that this project has been recognized as a proof of concept for utilizing renewable energy in a geographically constrained area, contributing to Japan's long-term energy diversification and sustainability goals. Regards,Katsumasa Mukaiyama

Advocate’s Recommendation -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 06:03, 23 June 2025 (UTC)

Advocate's Recommendation for the IEEE Milestone #2025-13 “First Solar battery-operated installation in Japan, 1958”

June 23, 2025.

Dear IEEE History Committee,

I am honored to be an advocate for the Milestone Proposal #2025-13, “First Solar battery-operated installation in Japan, 1958”.

URL to Proposal:
https://ieeemilestones.ethw.org/Milestone-Proposal:First_Solar_Battery-operated_Installation_in_Japan

(1) Review:

I invited four independent experts in the field to conduct a detailed technical review of the proposal. I asked the expert reviewers the following five questions:

Q1: Is the suggested wording of the Plaque Citation accurate?

Q2: Is the evidence presented in the proposal of sufficient substance and accuracy to support the Citation?

Q3: Does the proposed milestone represent a significant technical achievement?

Q4: Were there similar or competing achievements? If so, have the proposers adequately described these and their relationship to the achievement being proposed?

Q5: Have the proposers shown a clear benefit to humanity?

I have uploaded the four expert reviewers’ reports to the ETHW website at the following URL to expert reviewer’s reports:
https://ieeemilestones.ethw.org/Milestone-Proposal_talk:First_Solar_Battery-operated_Installation_in_Japan

Based on my reading of the four expert reviewer reports, I have received positive ratings from all, indicating their agreement with the proposal's appropriateness for the Milestone.

(2) Advocate’s Checklist:

Below is my checklist with responses:

1. Is the proposal for an achievement rather than for a person? If the citation includes a person's name, have the proposers provided the required justification for inclusion of the person's name? <Yes>

2. Was the proposed achievement a significant advance rather than an incremental improvement to existing technology? <Yes>

3. Were there prior or contemporary achievements of a similar nature? If so, have they been properly considered in the background information and the citation? <Yes>

4. Has the achievement truly led to a functioning, useful, or marketable technology? <Yes>

5. Is the proposal adequately supported by significant references (minimum of five) such as patents, contemporary newspaper articles, journal articles, or citations to pages in scholarly books? At least one reference should be from a peer-reviewed scholarly book or journal article. The full text of the material, not just the references, must be present. If the supporting texts are copyright-encumbered and cannot be posted on the ETHW for intellectual property reasons, the proposers shall email a copy to the History Center so it can be forwarded to the Advocate. If the Advocate does not consider the supporting references sufficient, the Advocate may ask the proposer(s) for additional ones. <Yes>

6. Are the scholarly references sufficiently recent? <Yes>

7. Does the proposed citation explain why the achievement was successful and impactful? <Yes>

8. Does the proposed citation include important technical aspects of the achievement? <Yes>

9. Is the proposed citation readable and understandable by the general public? <Yes>

10. Will the citation be read correctly in the future by only using past tense? Does the citation wording avoid statements that read accurately only at the time the proposal is written? <Yes>

11. Does the proposed plaque site fulfill the requirements? <Yes>

12. Is the proposal quality comparable to that of IEEE publications? <Yes>

13. Are any scientific and technical units correct (e.g., km, mm, hertz, etc.)? Are acronyms correct and properly upper-cased or lower-cased? Are the letters in any acronym explained in the title or the citation? <Yes>

14. Are date formats correct as specified in Section 6 of Milestones Program Guidelines? Helpful Hints on Citations, plaque locations. <Yes>

15. Do the year(s) appearing in the citation fall within the range of the year(s) included at the end of the title? <Yes>

16. Note that it is the Advocate's responsibility to confirm that the independent reviewers have no conflict of interest (e.g., that they do not work for a company or a team involved in the achievement being proposed, that they have not published with the proposer(s), and have not worked on a project related to the funding of the achievement). An example of a way to check for this would be to search reviewers' publications on IEEE Xplore. <Yes>

(3) Advocate’s Comment and Conclusion:

I received satisfactory peer review results from four experts in the field. Their reports and discussions were very useful for my decision as an advocate for Milestone #2025-13.

1. Citation:

The four expert reviewers confirmed the citation’s accuracy and that the contents are supported by evidence, as judged by their responses to questions Q1 and Q2. As an advocate, I share the same judgment as the reviewers.

2. Technical Significance and Historical Value:

The four expert reviewers provided detailed reviews of questions Q3 and Q4. They acknowledged the historical significance. As an advocate, I share their judgment.

3. Benefit to Humanity:

All four expert reviewers provided positive comments, as judged by their responses to question Q5. I concur with their judgment.

4. Advocate’s Conclusion:

All four expert reviewers strongly recognized and supported the proposal, deeming it worthy of the IEEE Milestone recognition. After careful consideration of both the proposal and the expert reviewers’ reports, I strongly recommend the proposal, #2025-13 “First Solar battery-operated installation in Japan, 1958”, for the IEEE Milestone.

Best regards,

Dr. Tomohiro Hase, IEEE Fellow
Advocate for Milestone #2025-13, IEEE History Committee

Milestone Chair Review -- Coronath (talk) 03:38, 26 June 2025 (UTC)

I have reviewed the Milestone-Proposal "First Solar Battery-operated Installation in Japan" and am happy to approve and refer it to the History Committee for consideration. Thank you! Keith Moore Chair, Milestones Subcommittee, 2025

Re: Milestone Chair Review -- KM (talk) 01:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC)

Dear Keith Moore
Thank you very much for approving our proposal.
K. Mukaiyama, Proposer

Suggested New Citation -- Bberg (talk) 00:17, 28 June 2025 (UTC)

Please consider this 68-word citation:

In 1958, Tohoku Electric Power and NEC installed Japan’s first solar panel at the Mount Shinobuyama radio relay station. With an initial ability to generate 70 watts for powering a 4.5 watt relay module for 24/7 operation, this pioneering off-grid system demonstrated solar energy’s viability in Japan. This led to advancements in photovoltaic and rechargeable battery research, and contributed significantly to Japan’s ongoing efforts in sustainable energy innovation.

Also, please consider this title: "First Battery-Operated Solar Panel Installation in Japan, 1958"

Brian Berg, 2024 Milestones Subcommittee Chair

Re: Suggested New Citation -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 13:30, 28 June 2025 (UTC)

Dear Brian Berg san

Thank you very much for your appropriate advice.
I will immediately inform the proposers of the corrections to the title and citation.
T. Hase, Advocate

Re: Suggested New Citation -- KM (talk) 01:14, 30 June 2025 (UTC)

Dear Brian Berg
Thank you very much for your appropriate advice.
I will revise the title and citation based on your advice.
K. Mukaiyama, Proposer

Excellent proposal -- John Vardalas (talk) 17:06, 5 July 2025 (UTC)

I like this proposal.

There may be room for further clarification at one point in the body of the proposal. The proposer writes,

“While other nations, especially the U.S., were experimenting with solar power, Shinobuyama radio relay station was among the first to integrate solar technology into a fully operational system for critical infrastructure, demonstrating the scalability and potential of solar energy for telecommunications and other off-grid applications.”

With the words “…among the first …” is the proposer stating that he knows of other fully operational systems, where solar energy (cells plus batteries) were powering critical terrestrial infrastructure? Or is it another way of stating, “I think it was the first but can’t be certain”. If it’s the former then it would helpful to the narrative if the proposer compared them to the Shinobuyama station. If the latter, I understand the caution.

The citation itself is well written.

Re: Excellent proposal -- Tomohiro Hase (talk) 03:49, 6 July 2025 (UTC)

Dear John Vardalas san
Thank you for your appropriate comment.
I will immediately ask the proposers to respond to your comment.
Best regard, T. Hase, advocate.

Re: Excellent proposal -- KM (talk) 09:59, 6 July 2025 (UTC)

Dear John Vardalas
Thank you for your important feedback..

In preparing the proposal, I looked into precedents and would like to report the findings.
"After the invention of the silicon solar cell at Bell Labs in 1954, the most well-known early practical application of solar cells in the United States was a small-scale photovoltaic power system installed on the Bell Labs premises in 1955. This was an experimental setup designed to demonstrate the performance of solar cells and was used to power small devices such as toys, fans, and radios as part of a demonstration.
In other words, around 1955, the Bell System conducted a trial using solar cells as a power source for remote telephone repeaters. This was a small-scale commercial test aimed at confirming the practicality of operating remote facilities without relying on existing power infrastructure by using solar power."
The details may be found in a publication called Bell System Practices (BSP), but we were unable to obtain a copy.
On the other hand, in Japan, Tohoku Electric Power Company implemented a practical terrestrial application of solar power at the Shinobuyama RF relay station in Fukushima in 1958.
Following your comments, we will add the above explanation to the section titled "U.S. Research and Bell Labs."
Best regard, K. Mukaiyama, proposer.