Sekisui Chemical to Mass-Produce Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells by 2027

Recently, Sekisui Chemical announced plans to begin mass production of flexible perovskite solar cells in 2027.

The company will establish a new venture in collaboration with the Development Bank of Japan, aiming for a production capacity of 100,000 kilowatts by 2027 and an ambitious 1 million kilowatts annually by 2030. The total funding required by 2030 is projected to reach 314.5 billion yen, with half of this amount supported by government subsidies. Sekisui Chemical also plans to acquire part of Sharp's factory in Sakai City, Osaka, repurposing existing buildings, power supply, and cooling equipment.

According to Sekisui Chemical, perovskite solar cells weigh less than one-tenth of conventional silicon-based solar cells. Their thin-film design allows for flexibility, enabling installation in locations previously unsuitable for solar panels, such as wall surfaces and gymnasium roofs. This lightweight and easy-to-install feature can also help reduce construction costs.

Sekisui Chemical has utilized technologies from LCD packaging materials to achieve a durability of approximately 10 years for perovskite cells. Currently, the 30 cm wide films have achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 15%. Although this is below the 20% efficiency typical of silicon solar cells, the company is actively advancing technology to improve conversion rates.

Starting in Spring 2025, Sekisui plans to sell 30 cm wide solar cells using existing production equipment. The company anticipates the launch of more efficient 1-meter wide solar cells in the second half of 2025 and aims for further large-scale production at the Sakai City facility.