Light, thin, flexible, paintable! Solar power is changing the concept of power generation

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a futuristic technology from Japan invented by Professor Tsutomu Miyasaka of Toin University of Yokohama that offers an alternative to conventional solar panels.

Because solar panels are light, thin, flexible, and can be coated, and can generate electricity even with a small amount of light, they can be installed in places where solar panels could not be installed before due to issues with load resistance, and can generate electricity in ways that have never been done before. They are therefore attracting attention as next-generation solar cells that will help realize a carbon-free society and promote the expansion of renewable energy.

Having been selected by the Ministry of the Environment for the "Regional Co-creation, Cross-sector Carbon Neutral Technology Development and Demonstration Project," Macnica began a technology development and demonstration project in fiscal year 2023 with the aim of implementing perovskite solar cells in society.

The demonstration project, "Technology development (contracted) for the use of PSCs in harsh environments such as ports," will be carried out by Peccell Technologies Inc. (headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Miyasaka Chikara), Reiko Inc. (headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Iwai Junichi), and Macnica solar cells.

In this demonstration, Macnica will examine and verify the environment for perovskite use and promote the project in a supervisory role. In addition, the company will utilize its experience in social implementation of IoT and AI to develop power unit systems and other systems using perovskite solar modules made in Japan.

This article provides an overview of the demonstration project.

Perovskite solar cells will be widely implemented in society as "batteries anywhere"

Osanbashi Perovskite Social Implementation Demonstration Project

~ Demonstration of new technologies to promote decarbonization at Yokohama Port ~

Perovskite solar cell demonstration project

The current demonstration project will be carried out at Yokohama Osanbashi Pier in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama, a well-known tourist destination, in a location that is visible to the general public.

Taking advantage of the site's location facing the port, the team will conduct demonstrations under a variety of conditions, including in harsh environments such as salt damage, on a wavy roof, and in larger shapes, while also aiming to raise awareness of efforts to put perovskite solar cells to practical use in society.

Scheduled date for installation and demonstration of perovskite solar cells at Osanbashi Pier

A demonstration of perovskite solar cells will be carried out at Osanbashi Pier over a three-year period from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2025.

March 2024: Osanbashi Pier demonstration test

■ Aim of the demonstration
• Demonstration of perovskite in harsh environments such as salt damage
• To construct an optimal system that is easy to replace by utilizing its light weight and flexibility.
• Demonstrate the technology as a pioneer to others

 

■ Requirements for the demonstration site
• Areas affected by heavy salt damage
• Places where the building has curved surfaces
•A place where it is easy to carry out exchange verification work
•It is a place where people cannot enter but can be seen easily.
•Safety during incidents, no impacts

■ Demonstration
Test location: Osanbashi Pier (owned by the Yokohama Port Bureau)
Designated Manager: Yokohama Port Promotion Association

2023-2025 Osanbashi Demonstration (Installation Shape Proposal)

We will investigate and develop methods for installing perovskite.

The demonstration is expected to take various forms, but we will consider appropriate installation methods for wood and roofing materials and develop an installation method that will achieve significant reductions in installation, replacement, maintenance, and removal costs.
Junction Box will be installed on the surface of each type of panel.

Perovskite development and the future of social implementation

Below are predictions for future product development specifications and social implementation based on the current status of perovskite.

With the practical application of perovskite solar cells, it is predicted that they will be installed in large-scale facilities in 2026, and in areas such as city blocks and factory facilities in 2027.

Inquiry

Macnica is contributing to the promotion of a decarbonized society by working toward the social implementation of perovskite solar cells, toward the realization of a "circular society" where resources are produced locally and consumed locally.

For inquiries regarding this demonstration project, please contact us here.