SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announces that it commenced a joint demonstration test to install film-type perovskite solar cells on the surface of a swimming pool in Kita-ku, Tokyo together with MM BRIDGE CO., LTD. (President: Masahiro Ikeura; hereinafter “MM BRIDGE”) and KOEI-D CO., LTD. (President: Eiji Kobayashi; hereinafter “KOEI-D”) on April 3, 2024.

1. Background of joint demonstration test

  As the decarbonization of energy is required to realize a decarbonized society by 2050, film-type perovskite solar cells are seen as a promising option to expand the introduction of renewable energy. They are lightweight and flexible, enabling installation in a variety of locations at various sites where it is difficult to install conventional silicon-based solar cells.

  SEKISUI CHEMICAL has created a 30 cm-wide roll-to-roll manufacturing process utilizing its original “sealing, film formation, materials and process technology,” and have confirmed 10 years equivalent of outdoor durability, which is said to be critical to the development of film-type perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, this manufacturing process has been successfully used to produce film-type perovskite solar cells with a power generation efficiency of 15.0%. Development is being accelerated to further improve durability and power generation efficiency, as well as to establish manufacturing technology for 1 m-wide rolls.

  MM Bridge is a comprehensive engineering company involved in the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance and repair of bridges and coastal structures. It has been actively pursuing initiatives toward SDGs and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 as a company that supports social infrastructure. As part of these efforts, MM Bridge has been engaged in its own unique environmental conservation activities and clean energy development, including a coral reef restoration project that applies anti-corrosion technology to coastal structures as well as the development of wave-power generation technology. MM Bridge has decided to participate in this joint demonstration test for the installation of floating-type perovskite solar cells based on the belief that film-type perovskite solar cells can be introduced on water and at sea by utilizing expertise in the structural design of floating structures and mooring methods it has inherited from its predecessor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

  KOEI-D has been actively implementing initiatives toward decarbonization through the ownership of domestic solar power generation facilities and the installation of solar power generation equipment in its own buildings. As a company aiming to achieve the goal of net-zero CO₂ emissions declared by Tokyo’s Kita-ku, it is proposing a concept to achieve CO₂ emission reduction based on the theme of local production for local consumption together with the Kita Branch of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. KOEI-D has decided to participate in this joint demonstration test based on the belief that useful data can be gathered through the test to install floating-type perovskite solar cells, including the measurement of elemental data unique to the water environment and floating structure, by introducing the measurement and control system it has developed that can customize measurement data elements and load control.

2. Joint demonstration test details

  Traditional floating-type solar power generation systems installed on the surface of water have had issues in areas such as the configuration of the floating structure to support the weight of the solar cells and mounts as well as workability. Thus, in order to verify these issues, floating-type perovskite solar cells have been installed on the surface of a closed school swimming pool in Kita-ku, Tokyo to demonstrate the floating structure, workability, and power generation performance for one year from April 3.
  This is the first demonstration test of floating-type perovskite solar cells in Japan.

Floating-type perovskite solar cells (installed in Kita-ku, Tokyo)

3. Future development

  The three companies will establish a method for introducing renewable energy to water-based assets through this demonstration with the goal of contributing to a decarbonized society by utilizing various types of water-based assets.

About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group

Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 180 companies throughout 21 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.
Since its foundation in 1947, the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group has dedicated itself to social and environmental contribution and is now an internationally recognized leader in sustainability and environmental initiatives, having recently been selected as one of the Global 100 most sustainable companies. SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group will continue to maintain a strong corporate presence for 100 years and beyond.