Of course, you are right about the weakness of "closed" solutions.  I drive a Lexus and while it is the highest application of Toyota's statistical quality controls, gets very good gas mileage, and is a brilliant piece of machinery--it is still a CAR!

However, should the day arrive that I buy a solar array for my roof, I would find it VERY reassuring if they were made by Toyota.  Methods are methods.  

I am not so worried about the Japanese "breaking out of the box."  The announcements referred to above demonstrate they have already broken out a "box" that seems to have trapped the Anglo world.  And you can make book if the Japanese claim they can reduce their carbon footprint, they have already figured out how they will do it.

"Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"