Japan-based Macnica, a technology solutions company that provides products, services, and solutions focused on semiconductors, cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and autonomous driving, has announced that it has been selected for the Kanagawa Prefecture Next-Generation Solar Cell Promotion Project, an initiative aimed at the early societal implementation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
For this project, Macnica will work under the guidance of Professor Chikara Miyasaka of Toin University of Yokohama, the inventor of PSCs, to utilize perovskite modules manufactured by Reiko Co., and will conduct a demonstration project of the perovskite system in the Hakone region of Ashigarashimo County, Kanagawa Prefecture, with the cooperation of the Odakyu Group.
The Kanagawa Prefecture Next-Generation Solar Cell Promotion Project aims to promote efforts to "realize a carbon-free society by 2025." PSCs and other solar cells with characteristics such as being "thin, light, and flexible" are expected to become increasingly widespread as the next generation of solar cells, and their widespread use will greatly contribute to "realizing a carbon-free society by 2025." With a view to widespread use after practical application, the prefecture is conducting demonstration projects and public awareness campaigns to "visualize" next-generation solar cells, a new technology, so that many prefectural residents and businesses can see and learn about them.
This project will set out to verify the effectiveness of PSCs, which are lightweight and easy to install and replace, in locations where installation has been difficult with previous technologies. In addition, PSCs will be installed in the Hakone hot spring area, with the aim of making it possible to use PSCs in special environments such as hot spring areas in the future. Furthermore, utilizing electricity generated by PSCs within railway facilities will contribute to the realization of decarbonization and energy self-sufficiency.
By installing PSCs at Odakyu Group railway facilities that are used daily by many Okinawa residents, Macnica will be able to widely disseminate examples of flexible implementation, thereby raising awareness of the potential of renewable energy technology and the benefits of its introduction.
The demonstration project will be carried out at two locations within the Odakyu Group: Hakone-Yumoto Station and Sounzan Station.
Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Hakone):
Location: 707-1, Yumoto Shiraishishita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Lines: Hakone Tozan Railway, Odakyu Romance Car
・Usage: Approximately 8,600 people/day
・Notes: Odakyu Romance Car, Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus
A major station where all the above transportation facilities converge, and serves as the gateway to Hakone.
Sounzan Station (Odakyu Hakone):
Location: 1300-328 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Line: Hakone Tozan Cable Car,
Hakone Ropeway Sounzan Line
Usage: Approximately 3,600 people/day
・Notes: The station building was completely renovated in July 2020.
