Japan Backs Domestic Mass Production of Next-Gen Solar Cells

• Japan funds ¥157 bn to boost perovskite solar cell production.
• Lightweight, flexible panels suit urban and mountain terrain.
• Targets 50% renewables by 2040 with policy and R&D push.

Japan is initiating an ambitious plan to catalyze domestic mass manufacturing of perovskite solar cells, the next-generation ultra-thin, flexible solar cell technology that holds the potential to turn buildings into solar generation (roofs, windows, walls, etc.). The Japanese government has put up a ¥157 billion (≈US $1 billion) subsidy package to support Sekisui Chemical’s goal to produce solar film, with a goal to have a 100 MW manufacturing facility operational in 2027, scaling to 1 GW by 2030, and generating electric output equivalent to 20 nuclear reactors (≈20 GW) by 2040.

Perovskite panels are lightweight (only 1 mm thick) and can be applied to curved or vertical surfaces, making them perfect for Japan’s mountainous landscape and densely populated cities. Iodine is abundant in Japan and would enhance Japan’s economic and energy security, while reducing its reliance on China in conventional silicon solar cell supply chains.

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The initiative connects to Japan’s revised Basic Energy Plan’s goal of raising renewables to 40–50% by 2040. It is situated within METI’s broader efforts to reverse Japan’s solar sector, which represented approximately half of global capacity and leadership, to be reclaimed in the innovation of solar.

Hoping to spur technological competitiveness, Japan's energy research agency NEDO has initiated a broad five-year solar tech R&D program. We provide proposals and funding for next-gen Solar Cell technologies, durability and recycling improvements, and system design considerations for a variety of environments – including perovskite systems – all in support of the 2050 net-zero roadmap.