Sekisui Chemical
Japan-based Sekisui Chemical was established in 1947 and consists of three division companies (entities) and a corporate department. Sekisui is involved in a wide range of business in industries like: real-estate and housing, electronics, automotive, various chemicals and plastics (like photosensitive materials, semiconductors and more) and more.
In the field of perovskites, Sekisui seems to be very active in research pertaining to aspects of solar cells like encapsulation and coatings, stability improvements and more. The Company may be working with Panasonic, but this is not confirmed. Also, it is part of various demo projects and testing efforts. It is pushing towards PSC commercialization with plans for solar production plant.
Contact information for Sekisui Chemical
2-3-17 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo
105-8450
Japan
Japan tests perovskite solar panels for rice cultivation in solar sharing pilot
In a first for Japan, a pioneering experiment is underway to grow rice under a canopy of perovskite-based solar cells, targeting two of the nation’s most pressing challenges: food sustainability and clean energy.
The project officially began with a ceremonial rice planting on May 11 at Chiba University’s Kashiwanoha Campus in Kashiwa. It explores the concept of “solar sharing” by installing thin, flexible perovskite solar panels above a rice paddy. The initiative aims to generate electricity while cultivating crops on the same land, potentially increasing farm income while contributing to climate goals.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL and SSF launch "SOLAFIL" film-type perovskite solar cells
SEKISUI CHEMICAL and SEKISUI SOLAR FILM (SSF) have launched a film-type perovskite solar cell called "SOLAFIL". Aiming for commercialization in fiscal 2025, the companies have been working on the development and establishment of mass production technology. As a result, they have completed preparations for the commercialization of products and installation specifications targeting metal roofs with the establishment of manufacturing technology using existing equipment.
"SOLAFIL" will be provided to municipalities and businesses selected for the Ministry of the Environment's fiscal year 2025 public offering project "Support Project for the Introduction of Perovskite Solar Cell Social Implementation Models" (Saitama City, Shiga Prefecture, West Nippon Expressway Company Limited, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Air Solar Pre-Introduction Project for Tokyo Metropolitan Facilities".
Japanese consortium launches perovskite agrivoltaics project over rice fields
According to reports, a consortium in Japan is conducting an agrivoltaics pilot project involving film-type perovskite solar cells installed above rice paddies.
The initiative aims to examine energy generation alongside agricultural production. The project involves five partners: Sekisui Solar Film, Terra Inc, Himawari Green Energy, Chiba University, and Chiba Bank. Sekisui Solar Film supplies the solar cells, while Terra handles construction and maintenance. Himawari Green Energy is assessing business feasibility, and Chiba University is providing the fields and evaluating impacts on farming and crops. Chiba Bank offers financial support.
Sekisui, TNO and BOM enter agreement for establishing a flexible perovskite solar modules production plant
TNO, the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and Japan’s Sekisui Solar Film Co. have signed a letter of intent in Osaka to explore the establishment of a factory for flexible perovskite solar modules in the Dutch province Brabant.
This could mark a milestone in the journey toward large-scale production of perovskite solar technology. The recent statement said that "Beyond accelerating the energy transition, this initiative strengthens Europe’s energy independence and positions the Netherlands at the forefront of the European solar industry—delivering long-term economic and strategic value".
Researchers examine the importance of barrier films in maintaining the long-term durability and stability of flexible PSC modules
Researchers from Japan's Ritsumeikan University and Sekisui Chemical have studied the role of barrier films in shielding flexible perovskite solar modules from harsh environmental conditions.
The research team utilized PSC modules made of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃), which were encapsulated with polyethylene terephthalate substrate with barrier films of varying water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). The PSC modules were subjected to a damp heat test, which utilized exposure of the modules to 85 °C temperature and 85% relative humidity. The conditions were set to simulate real-world outdoor conditions over extended periods.
