Japan’s Green Innovation Fund is driving several major perovskite solar initiatives, one of which is a project involving Panasonic, Ricoh, and EneCoat.
In addition to that first consortium, Ricoh has also joined forces with Daiwa House Industry and NTT Anode Energy, with their joint effort receiving separate support from the same Green Innovation Fund managed by NEDO. While the earlier project focuses on mass production and diverse applications—glass-type for construction integration (Panasonic) and thin films for flexible use (Ricoh and EneCoat)—the Ricoh–Daiwa House–NTT Anode Energy consortium aims for large-scale deployment of lightweight perovskite modules specifically suited for building-integrated and building-attached photovoltaic installations.
Ricoh will spearhead the development of inkjet-based manufacturing processes for perovskite devices, building on its expertise in precision inks, printheads, supply systems, and roll-to-roll transport technologies cultivated through multifunction printer research. These core capabilities will be redirected toward enabling high-efficiency, durable solar modules while keeping production costs low and throughput high. Inkjet printing also allows fine control over layer deposition and patterning, enabling flexible form factors and customization that can expand the range of applications for perovskite solar cells.
Daiwa House will focus on developing installation and structural technologies that enable perovskite modules to be integrated into rooftops and building exteriors. Drawing on its extensive track record in incorporating renewable energy into residential, commercial, and industrial construction, the company plans to deploy lightweight, design-flexible perovskite panels on surfaces where conventional silicon-based modules face limitations. This includes large logistics facilities, data centers, and buildings with limited load-bearing capacity.
NTT Anode Energy will lead on the design of advanced electrical systems that maximize the performance of perovskite installations in real-world conditions. With more than six decades of experience in solar power and electrical infrastructure, the company is now adapting its proprietary power conditioning systems to the specific characteristics of perovskite technology. Its approach will address challenges such as irregular power generation caused by uneven light exposure on curved rooftops or vertical walls, using optimized string layouts and module configurations to mitigate losses.
Looking ahead, the consortium will work closely with roofing, exterior wall, and waterproofing materials manufacturers from the earliest development stages to ensure seamless integration into construction practices. The project, which will run through fiscal 2029, has set a clear roadmap: by fiscal 2030, it aims to establish a perovskite production capacity exceeding 300 MW annually, with power generation costs reduced to around 14 yen/kWh. Through this coordinated effort, the consortium seeks to make perovskite solar cells not only a commercially viable technology but also a transformative solution for building-integrated and building-attached photovoltaics in Japan’s renewable energy landscape.
