This document presents the revised draft of the research development and social implementation plan for the "Next-Generation Solar Cell Development" project under the Green Innovation Fund program formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, outlining specific development plans and roadmaps.
This revised draft establishes more detailed implementation plans and targets for commercializing next-generation technologies centered on perovskite solar cells. The project totals approximately 50 billion yen, promoting research development aimed at full-scale market introduction in the early 2030s.
Technology Development Roadmap
The revised draft establishes three development phases. Phase 1 (2022-2025) conducts element technology development at lab scale and performance demonstration with small modules. Phase 2 (2025-2028) implements manufacturing technology development on pilot lines and demonstration with medium-sized modules. Phase 3 (2028-2032) establishes mass production technology and deploys large-scale demonstration projects.
Research Development Themes and Target Values
Five priority items are established as specific research development themes. First, high-performance perovskite materials (conversion efficiency over 25%); second, encapsulation technology development (durability over 20 years); third, large-area manufacturing technology (modules over 1m²); fourth, flexible substrate technology; and fifth, recycling technology development. Clear numerical targets and milestones are set for each theme.
Implementation Structure and Participating Organizations
Approximately 30 organizations are expected to participate in the project, including universities/research institutions, material manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and energy companies. A core R&D hub will be established at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology to promote open innovation research development. Additionally, collaboration with overseas advanced research institutions will address global technology development competition.
Commercialization Scenarios and Market Outlook
Commercialization targets for 2030 include manufacturing costs below 15 yen/W and domestic production capacity over 1GW/year. The initial market entry plan targets the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market, followed by expansion into automotive and agricultural applications. By 2040, the goal is to create a domestic market of 1 trillion yen and 3 trillion yen including overseas expansion.
Regulatory Reform and Standardization Strategy
Regulatory reforms including building standards law revisions, JIS standard development, and participation in international standardization activities are planned for next-generation solar cell deployment. In particular, establishing safety standards for flexible solar cells and standardizing performance evaluation methods for BIPV products are positioned as important challenges.
The article demonstrates that the next-generation solar cell development project has entered a concrete implementation phase, with comprehensive efforts progressing toward reviving Japan's solar cell industry.