Photovoltaic modules have attracted increasing attention as a clean, sustainable, and safe form of energy that helps prevent global warming. Mitsubishi Chemical is drawing on technologies for applying organic compounds that it has been developing since its foundation, in its quest to find practical application for flexible and lightweight printable Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) that offer features very different from existing photovoltaic modules. The new generation of OPV can be used in places and on objects once inconceivable. Thin OPV modules may be attached to the entire body surface of electric vehicles to obtain power. Power can also be generated on the outer surfaces of buildings and on the walls of sunny and comfortable living rooms. Given the highly innovative nature of this product, there are many challenges to overcome before the product is fully developed and the manufacturing technologies are established. However, Mitsubishi Chemical has made steady progress toward solving energy issues in a KAITEKI society.
OPV module featuring flexibility and reduced weight
While developing practical application for its next-generation OPV, Mitsubishi Chemical has also been marketing its amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules, which are flexible and lightweight, similar to OPV. We are working in collaboration with our partners to open up new markets for both photovoltaic and OPV. We have already established a brand, which we call "gioa." Applications that benefit from features different from crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, which are already widely used, are being developed. We aim to combine the new modules with different building materials and use them on automobiles. In 2010, modules were mounted on the tubular structure of a mobile phone base station and on the curved wall surfaces of office buildings; examples of applications available only to flexible and lightweight photovoltaic modules. New photovoltaic modules completely unlike conventional models are opening up potential applications in locations where installation using crystalline silicon models is difficult. These initiatives demonstrate our strengths as a comprehensive chemical product manufacturer, capable of developing optimum photovoltaic module products out of different base materials, whether plastic or metal.
Base station for mobile phones (Kochi)
Name: JR Meguro Green Building (Tokyo)
Naomi Kusaka
OPV Business Development Department
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
In a fiercely competitive market for photovoltaic modules, Mitsubishi Chemical has sought to rapidly establish the gioa brand and expand its business. As a consequence, recognition of our gioa series is gradually increasing.
In view of growing expectations for wider use of natural energy, we have sought daily to propose new value to our customers, drawing on our ability to apply diverse products ranging from crystalline silicon types to unique and lightweight BIPV (Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic) modules using amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells. We will also incorporate feedback into the development of OPV, aiming to meet market needs and add the products to the gioa series at the earliest possible stage.
Sharing ideas for manufacturing new materials and devices, with the aim of practical application
Izuru Takei
OPV Project
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Science and Technology Research Center, Inc.
While OPV is noted for its flexibility and lightness, the challenge has been to improve efficiency. Thanks to the sustained efforts of our entire team, we have now achieved a conversion efficiency of more than 10%, the highest level in the world. We are past the stage of dreaming; practical application for these modules is now a very realistic target.
Day in and day out, we have been experimenting with new materials and device manufacturing, sometimes in small steps and sometimes audaciously. When we check a display monitor to measure the electric current generated by exposing the new samples to light, we feel like figure skaters or gymnasts viewing the electronic scoreboard. Going forward, we will accelerate our R&D efforts to embody our corporate philosophy of "Good Chemistry for Tomorrow – Creating better relationships among people, society, and our planet."