Recently, Panasonic HD (Panasonic Holdings) announced the successful development of an innovative technology that utilizes perovskite solar cells to generate electricity on glass materials, and by adjusting transparency, applies this technology to architectural glass materials. The development of this technology has been ongoing for over a year, aiming to test the invisibility and semi-transparency of these solar cells, as well as their electricity generation performance and durability in real-world environments. It has been applied to the southeast balcony on the second floor of a new model house in the "Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town" (Future Co-Creation FINECORT III) in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Image: Panasonic Holdings - Prototype integrating perovskite solar cells with glass building materials installed on a balcony.
The innovation of these perovskite solar cells lies in their direct integration of the solar power generation layer into the glass substrate, introducing it as "electricity-generating glass building material" into architecture. It can be used in various parts of buildings, including glass windows, facades, skylights, glass canopies, balconies, display windows, and more, making it highly versatile. Compared to traditional solar panels, perovskite solar cells can better blend with the appearance of buildings, not only providing the energy needed for buildings but also maintaining their transparency, achieving a balance between energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Image: Panasonic HD - Hypothetical use scenario of "perovskite solar cells integrated with glass building materials."
The manufacturing process of this technology involves several steps. Firstly, patternization is performed on the glass using transparent electrodes. Then, the various components of perovskite solar cells are manufactured through inkjet printing, and finally, the cells are made transparent and integrated into the glass through laser processing. This approach allows solar cells to adapt flexibly to different sizes and shapes of glass.
Image: Panasonic HD - Manufacturing process of "perovskite solar cells integrated with glass building materials."
The application of this technology will bring various environmental and economic benefits. In terms of the environment, it helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions, conserve energy, meet strict zero-energy building regulations, and positively impact environmental certifications such as green building certifications. Economically, it can reduce electricity costs, save energy through thermal insulation techniques, enhance real estate value and rental income, and improve responsiveness to power outages.
Panasonic HD fervently anticipates that this groundbreaking technology will facilitate the seamless incorporation of renewable energy into urban environments, ushering in a new era of environmentally-conscious and energy-efficient architectural solutions. Once the verification ensures electricity generation performance and durability, technology development will accelerate, and mass production and practical applications are expected to be achieved by 2028, moving towards commercialization and bringing more possibilities for the future of sustainable energy development."
Reference：
[1]：パナソニックHDがペロブスカイト太陽電池で発電するガラスを開発、透過度を調整可能https://monoist.itmedia.co.jp/mn/articles/2308/30/news160.html
[2 ]：世界初のガラス建材一体型ペロブスカイト太陽電池、パナが「発電するガラス」1年実験https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/column/18/00154/01888/?ST=nxt_thmdm_energytech
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