Verification Testing for Practical Use of Next-Generation Solar Cells Commences

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is proud to announce the completion of Japan's first installation of film-type next-generation solar cells at a sewerage facility. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with a development company, aims to advance the practical application of domestically developed  next-generation solar cell technology. Verification testing, the largest of its kind in the country, officially began Wednesday May 24, 2023.

Overview of Next-Generation Solar Cell Verification

(1) Installation location

Morigasaki Water Reclamation Center: On the covering of the reactor at the sewage treatment facility (Fig. 1)

(2) Number of panels, area, and rated output

3 types of batteries of different sizes x 3 panels (Fig. 2), approx. 9 m2, approx. 1 kW (total) * the largest in Japan

(3) Key testing objectives

Measurement of power generation efficiency, verification of corrosion resistance, etc.

Fig. 1: Morigasaki Water Reclamation Center

Fig. 2: Next-generation solar cells (in the red frame)

Research partner

SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.

This company promotes research on film-type next-generation solar cells for generating large amounts of electricity.

Period of Joint Research

December 1st, 2025

• Press Info （175.5KB）

Reference: Joint Research Content

(1) Location

Morigasaki Water Reclamation Center, Bureau of Sewerage
Address: 2-5-1 Showajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo

(2) Purpose of research

Verify the applicability of film-type next-generation solar cells to sewage facilities.

Reference: Next-Generation Solar Cells

Next-generation solar cells are next-generation solar cells that use a crystalline structure called perovskite. Compared to silicon-based solar cells, they have the following properties:

1. Since they are thin, light and flexible (Note 1), the range of places they can be installed is wider.
2. The development of manufacturing technology may lead to mass production and reduced manufacturing costs (Note 2).
3. This is a technology originating in Japan, and about 30% of the world's production of iodine, which is the main raw material, is produced in Japan.

Note 1: Approx. 1 mm, 1.5 kg/m2 (with the development partner)
Note 2: The development partner aims to realize a roll-to-roll manufacturing process.

Therefore, it is expected to be highly competitive against silicon-based solar cells.