Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells will soon be an everyday reality

The Yokohama city government and a local university have agreed to work towards real-world use of flexible, film-like perovskite solar cells that could even be used in clothing, amid global competition to put the technology in practice.

The thin and light cells were developed by Yokohama Toin University and are being hailed both in Japan and internationally as a “ace” in boosting renewable energy. Tsutomu Miyasaka, a specially appointed professor at the university, enthused, “With the help of the city, we hope to make these Yokohama solar cells a reality.”

What sets cutting-edge perovskite solar cells apart from their predominant silicon cousins is their low cost of production and that they can be mounted on curved surfaces, such as cars or building walls. They can also generate power even in low light, such as indoors or on cloudy days.

Serious work on the technology began with the help of the city in 2006. Miyasaka and other researchers published the world’s first dissertation on cells in 2009. Around 30,000 people are studying the technology worldwide, and competition is heating up. heating up to put them to practical use. Miyasaka is considered a strong candidate for Nobel prizes in both physics and chemistry.

However, challenges remain to be considered before the technology can see widespread use, such as durability and the amount of power it generates when installed.

The Yokohama municipal government and the university signed a partnership agreement on February 9, and two days later held a demonstration at Aobadai Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line by installing 700 square centimeters of perovskite cells on a site with little direct sunlight. in a passage in front of the ticket gate. The energy generated by the cells drove a model train and turned a propeller. By installing them in a common place, the city intended to improve public understanding of the technology.

There is also talk of future plans to experimentally install the cells on surfaces including greenhouse walls and children’s backpacks. At a press conference on February 9, Miyasaka commented, “(The cells) can also be installed in tents, cars, and outdoor clothing. Using this (technology), I hope the entire city will become a plant.” of solar energy”.