A new project kicked off in Japan is developing next-generation solar cells to install on industrial roofs. The film-type solar cells will reportedly be compatible with installing on roofs with low load-bearing capacity.
The project between Japanese green tech startup PXP Inc. and Tokyo Gas Co. is still exploring ways to establish a panel structure and construction methods. The plan is to determine the best performance of the device while maintaining enough durability and safety.
This development project marks the first time in Japan that film-type chalcopyrite solar cells will be installed on roofs with low load-bearing capacity, such as slate roofs.
Launching the service in fiscal 2026
The two companies aim to launch services in 2026. By combining PXP’s chalcopyrite solar cells, which weigh less than 1 kg/m2, with Tokyo Gas’s highly reliable construction methods, it will be possible to install the solar panels on roofs with low load-bearing capacity, such as slate roofs, with the aim of launching the service in fiscal 2026.
Through this development, PXP and Tokyo Gas will make it possible to install solar panels on roofs with low load-bearing capacity, which has previously been difficult, thereby playing a part in expanding the amount of solar power generation in Japan and contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, according to a press release.
This is going to be the first time in Japan that film-type chalcopyrite solar cells will be installed on roofs with low load-bearing capacity, such as slate roofs.
Mass production of next-generation solar cells
The companies also revealed that the capacity installable on such roofs in Japan is estimated at approximately 169 gigawatts by 2050, more than double the country’s current installed capacity.
“We are working on the research, development and mass production of next-generation solar cells. The chalcopyrite solar cells we are developing are expected to be as lightweight as perovskite solar cells, have the same power generation efficiency and relatively high durability,” said Tokyo Gas in a statement.
“In addition, we are researching and developing highly efficient and lightweight solar cell modules by stacking a perovskite solar cell on a chalcopyrite solar cell (in a tandem configuration) to combine the different wavelength characteristics of the two solar cells.”
Solar power expected to become Japan’s main source of energy
Reports have revealed that solar power generation is expected to become Japan’s main source of energy, accounting for 22-29% of the power generation mix in 2040.
The companies also highlighted that as the pace of solar power generation adoption slows due to a lack of suitable sites, there are an increasing number of cases where installation is abandoned due to factors such as load-bearing capacity and ease of construction, even though there are roofs of a certain size that can be installed, such as factories, due to the lack of suitable sites.
This calls for further promotion of installation on roofs with low load-bearing capacity. The project will establish panel structure and construction methods, which are important factors in determining the performance of solar panels, demonstrate installation, and confirm durability and safety, according to Tokyo Gas.
Elsewhere in Japan, a group of Tokyo-based partners is working on a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) pilot project. The project will see inner windows featuring perovskite solar cells installed at the Telecom Center Building in the Aomi district of Tokyo, reported PV Magazine.