Japan Launches Public-Private Initiative to Promote Bendable Solar Panels
Toshiba and Sekisui Chemical among 150 companies forming a public-private council. Council to set capacity targets for perovskite solar cells by summer. Japanese-made perovskite cells superior in efficiency and quality
Toshiba and Sekisui Chemical are among the 150 companies and organisations that will form a public-private council in Japan to drive the development and adoption of next-generation flexible solar panels. The council aims to set a capacity target for perovskite solar cells by this summer, which will be incorporated into the country's renewable energy policy. Thin and bendable perovskite solar cells are considered a homegrown technology in Japan and offer the advantage of being able to be installed in unconventional locations such as office building walls and windows.
The council will include private-sector members such as Panasonic Holdings, Aisin (an auto parts supplier), and Kaneka (a chemical manufacturer). Additionally, seven companies from the Japan Railways Group and industry groups representing the real estate sector will join. On the public sector side, the council will include the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as other central government agencies. Nearly 100 local governments, including the Tokyo metropolitan government, will also participate.
The current strategic energy plan in Japan does not include perovskite solar panels in its renewable energy goals for 2030. However, the updated plan for this fiscal year will incorporate perovskite technology as part of the anticipated renewable power mix for 2040. The council will discuss the estimated power generation costs of perovskite solar farms for 2040 and establish numerical targets. The government aims for perovskite to cost 14 yen (9 cents) or less per kilowatt-hour of energy by 2030, aligning with the cost of conventional solar panels. The cost goal for 2040 will be set even lower.
Japanese-made perovskite cells are currently considered superior in terms of energy conversion efficiency, longevity, and other product quality indicators. There are two types of perovskite solar panels: film type and glass type. Each type can be used in specific settings, such as rooftops, windows, and fallow farmland. Research is also underway on tandem types that combine different solar panels to take advantage of their unique characteristics.
The establishment of this council is driven by increased competition with Chinese rivals in the solar panel market. While Japanese manufacturers once dominated the global share of conventional solar panels, Chinese panels eventually prevailed due to their competitive pricing. The capacity of perovskite solar cells is projected to reach 38.3 gigawatts by 2040, surpassing the current capacity of conventional solar panels.
- Toshiba and Sekisui Chemical among 150 companies forming public-private council
- Council to set capacity targets for perovskite solar cells by summer
- Japanese-made perovskite cells superior in efficiency and quality
Source: NIKKEI ASIA