Japan’s Big Bet On Perovskite Solar Cells To Lead Renewable Energy Shift

Renewable energy is one of the most sought-after energy sources across the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with various countries investing in it and and implementing it successfully. 

The mainstream solar panels today are manufactured predominantly using crystalline silicon (c-Si) or thin-film solar cell technologies. However, one more material being favored with a lot of talent in solar applications is perovskite.

Perovskite solar cells are among the best candidates expected to eventually replace c-Si solar cells and provide a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to solar energy in the future.

Japan is all set to receive a seismic shift via perovskite solar cells, the latest development that would change the way solar energy is viewed. These solar cells, which are lightweight, flexible, and adjustable, will offer a more practical way to generate energy inside a city, addressing land scarcity and sustainability concerns.

Also read: Perovskite Recycling: Is Aqueous-based Recovery The Future Of Photovoltaics?

Japan used to lead the world in the production of solar panels, but due to Chinese manufacturers' subsidized competition, its market share has dropped to less than 1%. But thanks to PSC technology, Japan may assert that it is once more in a stronger position. With government support, Sekisui Chemical Co. is now creating cutting-edge PSC modules for a wide commercial rollout in the 2030s.

The time has come to utilize competitive advantages to lead the rest of the world into the new renewable energy age.

Japan is currently utilizing its competitive advantages to lead the rest of the world into the new renewable energy age. Currently, PSCs are included in Section 0 of the Ministry of Industry's updated energy plan, which cites a requirement for Japanese PSC sections to generate 20 gigawatts of electricity by the fiscal year 2040—an amount equivalent to 20 nuclear reactors.

The program also seeks to meet the national target for net-zero emissions by 2050. A major pillar of Japan in this is being the world's second-largest iodine producer, which is an essential material in the manufacture of perovskite solar cells.

Thus, Japan would strengthen economic security, minimize dependence on imports, and create visionary advances for its local sectors by creating a self-sustaining supply chain within the country.

What Are Perovskite Solar Cells?
Perovskites are a class of materials that, unlike crystalline silicon, are so-called after the mineral they consist of, which in turn is named after Lev Perovski. The initial research on perovskites as absorber materials was done in 2006, and the results were published in 2009.

Perovskites are the most promising of the third-generation photovoltaics due to their tremendous potential in the solar market for the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cells' efficiency has improved from below 4% to more than 20% within five years. Just a bit more than 15 years later, the efficiency is even higher at 30%.

Redefining Urban Solar Power with PSCs
PSCs are unique because they have the ability to completely rethink the methods and locations for gathering solar energy. Because only large locations can hold them, classic silicon-based panels are highly impractical in densely populated countries like Japan.

Because of their high degree of adaptability, light weight, bendability, and manufacturing flexibility, PSCs are easily incorporated into urban settings. They can be mounted on windows, building walls, automobile roofs, and streetlights, enabling the use of these surfaces for energy gathering.

The space constraint in Japan to produce the most energy in urban areas is resolved by this technology. PSCs' adaptability will also make it possible to construct hybrid energy systems, which combine solar and wind power, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy sources. However, there are still challenges. Two of the biggest issues facing PSCs now are durability limits and high upfront costs, but technology is advancing quickly, and by 2040, costs are expected to drop to JPY 10/W.

Source: EcoNews