The Japanese government and private-sector companies are making major investments to commercialize mass production of perovskite, a next-generation solar cell. Japan is expected to launch a race for speed, leveraging strengths including the world's second-largest iodine production volume and positioning 2027 as the first year of perovskite mass production.
The Japanese government and private-sector companies have announced plans to make major investments aimed at commercializing mass production of perovskite, which is identified as a next-generation solar cell. In response to China's past low-price offensive, momentum is building to highlight Japan's proprietary technology and advantages in raw materials as it seeks to regain leadership in the solar market.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry recently disclosed plans to select Ricoh and 長州産業 as companies eligible for green transformation-related subsidies, and the government will provide approximately ¥100 billion in support over the four years through 2029. The companies concerned are expected to invest more than the subsidy themselves to build mass-production plants.
Ricoh is developing thin, flexible film-type perovskite solar cells using an inkjet manufacturing process based on its printing technology, with the potential to reduce manufacturing costs as a key strength. Meanwhile, 長州産業 is focusing its development efforts on a tandem design that layers perovskite over conventional silicon solar panels.
Japan's mass-production strategy positions 2027 as the first year of perovskite mass production. Sekisui Solar Film, a subsidiary of Sekisui Chemical, will begin mass production of film-type products that year, while Panasonic Holdings plans to start mass production in 2029 of building-integrated products (BIPV), including building window glass. Key raw materials, including iodine, whose production volume is said to rank second in the world, and a proprietary supply chain are regarded as the basis of Japan's competitiveness.