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EneCoat Technologies: Perovskite Solar Cell

18 July, 2024

EneCoat Technologies: Perovskite Solar Cell

Kyoto University Spin-off Advancing Next-Gen Energy with Ultrathin Films

Overview

  • EneCoat Technologies, founded in January 2018, is a spin-off company from Kyoto University developing perovskite solar cells, widely regarded as the most promising next-generation solar technology
  • The company emerged from several years of research at the Wakamiya Laboratory, Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, and was launched with full university support
  • EneCoat Technologies is developing and manufacturing ultrathin perovskite solar cell films using an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite structure
  • Perovskite solar cells have rapidly advanced since their introduction in the 2010s, quickly achieving over 20% conversion efficiency
  • The company utilizes a low-temperature coating process to create highly uniform ultrathin films suitable for mass production
  • As of December 2021, EneCoat's perovskite solar cells hold the world record of 25.7% efficiency at the cell size
  • On July 18, 2024, EneCoat Technologies secured a 5.5 billion yen Series C funding round led by Toyota's Woven Capital, with participation from new and existing investors, bringing its total funding to over 8 billion yen.

Features

  • High Efficiency: Achieved 25.7% conversion efficiency, the fastest progression to 20%+ efficiency among next-generation solar cell materials
  • Innovative Perovskite Structure: Utilizes an ABX3 composition, created using organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optimal performance
  • Advanced Manufacturing Process: Employs a wet process based on organic chemistry for film creation, enabling low-cost, low-temperature coating
  • Rapid Efficiency Progression: Demonstrates quick advancement in power conversion efficiency, outpacing many other solar cell technologies
  • High Performance in Various Light Conditions: Maintains relatively high conversion efficiency in bright, moderate, and low light conditions
  • Versatile Design: Produces thin, lightweight, and flexible solar cells with high power generation relative to weight
  • Potential for Large-Scale Production: Plans to implement Roll to Roll production methods for tailored applications and scaleSolvable Problems
  • Addresses limitations of traditional solar cells in terms of efficiency, cost, and versatility
  • Provides high-performance solar energy solutions for a wide range of light conditions, including indoor applications
  • Offers potential for integration into various products due to its thin, lightweight, and flexible nature

Use Cases

  • Traditional solar panel applications with higher efficiency
  • Indoor and low-light energy harvesting
  • Integration into flexible or lightweight products
  • Potential for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

Source

EneCoat Technologies

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Horizon Editorial Desk

We explore topics related to technology and innovative initiatives in Japan and Asia. Our team is dedicated to uncovering and sharing cutting-edge developments across the region. Editorial contact: [email protected]

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Mariko Murohashi (Mariko Fukui), Editor-in-chief

Mariko drives sustainable solutions in mobility, energy, and climate tech through strategic communication and international collaboration. Her experience includes the attraction of enterprises internationally, contributing to cross-border partnerships. Drawing from her experiences in Europe and Asia, she is interested in energy transition, economic revitalization, and industry development. Currently, she is supporting public and private sectors as a strategic advisor and also conducts research at the GSAIS in Kyoto University.

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