■ The birth of the Solar Cell Brigade, Fostering a national strategy
With the worldwide demand from solar cells as a backdrop, a new industrial structure with solar cells as its core arose. Also known as the 21st century industrial cluster, the Solar Cell Brigade came out of these circumstances. These companies realized the need for cooperation to survive and get an edge in the rapidly growing worldwide energy market. Considering the market forecast for low-carbon demand, the Japanese industry recognizes that this is a huge chance that they should never be passed on.
(2008.11.07 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Solar Cells (5) : Dye-sensitized Solar Cells, A new power source for PC's
"We have good weather today. I should leave this outside under the sun." And we're not talking about laundry. In the workplace after several years, it is possible that notebook computers will be recharged using sunlight.
By 2010, Dai Nippon Printing Company aims to produce solar cells as auxiliary power supplies for computers and cellular phones. Aside from decreasing power usage in the workplace, it will become possible to use electronic devices outside simply by gathering power from sunlight. They plan to use dye-sensitized solar cells. It is composed of thin layer of dye coated on top of a plastic sheet, which is tightly sealed. Similar to plants in photosynthesis, these devices generate electrical energy when light is absorbed by the dye. They are more lightweight since metals are not used and only a thin layer of dye is necessary to produce electricity, while most silicon and other metallic compound-based panels require heavy glass.
(2008.11.07 Nikkei Net)
■ "Rechargeable-wear"
Product name: Film-type Dye-sensitized solar cells
Product details: This solar cell can be sown on clothes to be used as auxiliary rechargeable device for celfones and digital music players.
Recently, Tokyo Tamago on TV Tokyo featured DSCs attached on a jogging suit as a "rechargeable-wear" by Gunze. The prototype still needs to be improved both aesthetically and efficiency-wise. The reporter who wore the jogging suit on a slightly cloudy day was able to get a voltage output of 0.994 V but complained about the wires sticking out and also mentioned that the suit is still a bit uncomfortable. Gunze aims to release this product by 2010.
(2008.11.06 TV Tokyo's Trend Tamago)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Lecture by Prof. Michio Kondo in RCAST
Prof. Michio Kondo, the director of the Research Center of Photovoltaics in the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), was kind enough to give the staff and students of RCAST, Univ. of Tokyo a lecture last Friday.
Title: A low-carbon society based on revolutionary solar power generation
Date: November 7th, 2008 (Friday), 14:30-17:55
Venue: RCAST Bldg 4, 2nd floor Seminar Room
Prof. Kondo's lecture was extremely informative, covering a wide range of solar power technologies, their history, current status and future perspectives. He gave a fair analysis of the different types of technologies, ranging from silicon-based, multi-junction devices, organic thin films, and DSCs. I really enjoyed his lecture because I was able to understand his lecture quite well, despite it being in Japanese because he explained everything simply and concisely. I cannot wait to attend another lecture such as this. (^^,) - Joanne
Title: A low-carbon society based on revolutionary solar power generation
Date: November 7th, 2008 (Friday), 14:30-17:55
Venue: RCAST Bldg 4, 2nd floor Seminar Room
Prof. Kondo's lecture was extremely informative, covering a wide range of solar power technologies, their history, current status and future perspectives. He gave a fair analysis of the different types of technologies, ranging from silicon-based, multi-junction devices, organic thin films, and DSCs. I really enjoyed his lecture because I was able to understand his lecture quite well, despite it being in Japanese because he explained everything simply and concisely. I cannot wait to attend another lecture such as this. (^^,) - Joanne
Lecture Announcement
2008 Industry/University Forum Lecture
The Current State of Solar Energy Conversion Device
Host: Electrochemical Soeity of Japan
Date: November 15, 2008 (Saturday) 14:00~
Venue: Tokyo University, School of Science, Chemistry Building Lecture Hall
Address: Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Entrance Fee: Free
Banquet: 山上会館地階食堂「御殿」 for 2,000 yen.
Application procedure: Send your name, place of employment, contact information and whether or not you will join the banquet to atobe@electrochem.jp or fax to 03-3234-3599.
Program:
1. The Current state and Future perspective on Solar energy generation
by Matsuhara Hiroshi (AIST)
2. Regarding Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells (tentative title)
by Tanaka Makoto (Sanyo Denki)
3. Development of Printable and Flexible Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
by Miyasaka Tsutomu (Toin Yokohama University)
The Current State of Solar Energy Conversion Device
Host: Electrochemical Soeity of Japan
Date: November 15, 2008 (Saturday) 14:00~
Venue: Tokyo University, School of Science, Chemistry Building Lecture Hall
Address: Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Entrance Fee: Free
Banquet: 山上会館地階食堂「御殿」 for 2,000 yen.
Application procedure: Send your name, place of employment, contact information and whether or not you will join the banquet to atobe@electrochem.jp or fax to 03-3234-3599.
Program:
1. The Current state and Future perspective on Solar energy generation
by Matsuhara Hiroshi (AIST)
2. Regarding Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells (tentative title)
by Tanaka Makoto (Sanyo Denki)
3. Development of Printable and Flexible Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
by Miyasaka Tsutomu (Toin Yokohama University)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
DSC News Updates
■ Modern times close-up: Why is Japan, the leader in solar cell technology, lagging behind in the world market?
According to Makoto Kyomizu of the Research Department of the Development Bank of Japan, "What is common in the rapidly growing Germany, China and Indian companies is that they pooled their investment money to world-wide scale and became huge in one burst. They collaborate with other companies if they lack the technology. Unfortunately, this is not a strategy that Japanese companies want to adapt."
(2008.11.05)
■ TV program
Recently, a "non-fuel" movement is spreading worldwide. In the heart of this, solar energy has become a main focus. In order to provide the demand of solar panels in Europe, several new manufacturers have sprouted up in countries such as China and India. Japan's Sharp Corporation stating that "Solar Energy is the next oil field." will not only produce solar panels but will actively participate in the solar power generation business by implementing non-conventional strategies. Also, Showa Shell Sekiyu, sensing the impending crisis of petroleum, has proposed a new strategy to give petroleum a backseat and instead promote solar energy business in the frontlines. A discussion involving solar energy in the forefront of fierce competition in the world's expanding market.
Studio Guest: Mr. Makoto Kyomizu from the Development Bank of Japan
(2008.10.22 NHK by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Platinum-free DSC
Japan Carlit Company may have found a way to replace platinum used as the counter electrode in DSCs with a semiconducting polymer (polyaniline). The shift in material can greatly decrease production cost.
(2008.10.31 Chemical Daily by Mr. M Kuni)
According to Makoto Kyomizu of the Research Department of the Development Bank of Japan, "What is common in the rapidly growing Germany, China and Indian companies is that they pooled their investment money to world-wide scale and became huge in one burst. They collaborate with other companies if they lack the technology. Unfortunately, this is not a strategy that Japanese companies want to adapt."
(2008.11.05)
■ TV program
Recently, a "non-fuel" movement is spreading worldwide. In the heart of this, solar energy has become a main focus. In order to provide the demand of solar panels in Europe, several new manufacturers have sprouted up in countries such as China and India. Japan's Sharp Corporation stating that "Solar Energy is the next oil field." will not only produce solar panels but will actively participate in the solar power generation business by implementing non-conventional strategies. Also, Showa Shell Sekiyu, sensing the impending crisis of petroleum, has proposed a new strategy to give petroleum a backseat and instead promote solar energy business in the frontlines. A discussion involving solar energy in the forefront of fierce competition in the world's expanding market.
Studio Guest: Mr. Makoto Kyomizu from the Development Bank of Japan
(2008.10.22 NHK by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Platinum-free DSC
Japan Carlit Company may have found a way to replace platinum used as the counter electrode in DSCs with a semiconducting polymer (polyaniline). The shift in material can greatly decrease production cost.
(2008.10.31 Chemical Daily by Mr. M Kuni)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Seunghun Eu's PhD Dissertation
This link was kindly provided by Dr. Seunghun Eu (劉 承訓) from Kyoto University entitled:
Porphyrin-and Phthalocyanine-Sensitized Solar Cells
Porphyrin-and Phthalocyanine-Sensitized Solar Cells
DSC News Updates
■ Daido Steel - Streamlines photocurrent generation, plans on using concentrators to up power generation by 1.6%
Daido Steel developed a light-concentrating solar power generation system. From December this year, Daido plans to establish a plant in the Aichi Airport New Energy Exploration Research Area of Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. From next year, actual experiments and implementations will be undertaken for a four-year period.
The system developed by said company consists of a dome-shaped plastic lens used to concentrate light to 550 times and the power from this light is delivered to a "power generation cell". A 165 mm lens is partnered with a small 7 mm power generation cell. Since it can gather stronger intensity sunlight, this system is 1.6 times more efficient than previous systems. In addition to the smaller area of the power generation cell, the feasibility of high-volume production of the lens, the cost of this system is almost the same as previous products.
(2008.10.27 Nikkei News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Using the desert for solar power generation -- Japan's technological achievement with batterie s and power lines
A massive concept to install a large-scale solar power station in the desert and distribute the power to the surrounding countries has been set in motion. After considering the land area, sunlight duration, and technological issues, the International Energy Agency (IEA) plans to embark on this venture in the Sahara and Gobi deserts staring next year. Towards the realization of this concept, there are great expectations on Japan's technology of excellent solar cells and electrical power lines.
(2008.10.26 Nikkei News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Taiwan increases production of solar cells.
Taiwan widely known as the "silicon island" due to its large manufacturing plants for semiconductor devices now aims to become the "solar island", shifting its focus to solar panel production due to the ever declining prices of semiconductor products. Investments are surging and will eventually surpass solar cell production in Japan.
(2008.10.27 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
Daido Steel developed a light-concentrating solar power generation system. From December this year, Daido plans to establish a plant in the Aichi Airport New Energy Exploration Research Area of Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. From next year, actual experiments and implementations will be undertaken for a four-year period.
The system developed by said company consists of a dome-shaped plastic lens used to concentrate light to 550 times and the power from this light is delivered to a "power generation cell". A 165 mm lens is partnered with a small 7 mm power generation cell. Since it can gather stronger intensity sunlight, this system is 1.6 times more efficient than previous systems. In addition to the smaller area of the power generation cell, the feasibility of high-volume production of the lens, the cost of this system is almost the same as previous products.
(2008.10.27 Nikkei News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Using the desert for solar power generation -- Japan's technological achievement with batterie s and power lines
A massive concept to install a large-scale solar power station in the desert and distribute the power to the surrounding countries has been set in motion. After considering the land area, sunlight duration, and technological issues, the International Energy Agency (IEA) plans to embark on this venture in the Sahara and Gobi deserts staring next year. Towards the realization of this concept, there are great expectations on Japan's technology of excellent solar cells and electrical power lines.
(2008.10.26 Nikkei News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Taiwan increases production of solar cells.
Taiwan widely known as the "silicon island" due to its large manufacturing plants for semiconductor devices now aims to become the "solar island", shifting its focus to solar panel production due to the ever declining prices of semiconductor products. Investments are surging and will eventually surpass solar cell production in Japan.
(2008.10.27 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
Monday, October 20, 2008
DSC News Updates
■ British company Torotrak to join Low-carbon vehicles consortium
Torotrak Plc is set to join the LCVIP (Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform). The LCVIP is a joint venture of the British government's Department of Tourism and the TSB (Technology strategy board).
(2008.10.20 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Mitsubishi Materials begins sale of solar panel silicon materials with 2-3% higher efficiency
Thanks to one of its subsidiaries, Mitsubishi Materials will start the production of polycrystalline silicon ingots with better efficiency compared to those currently available on the market. The Akita-based JEMCO Inc. headed by Company President Akio Uchida has poured 1.4 billion yen in the construction of a new plant which will triple its annual production to 290 tons.
(2008.10.20 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Chemical Industry News Special: Organic EL Solar Cells
The necessity of organic electroluminescence (EL) is rapidly expanding. According to the Yano Research Institute, the shipment of organic EL panels in 2008 is expected to be 7.3 times higher than last year's 110 million sheets. Assuming a similar increase in total revenue of 42.1%, it can easily exceed last year's 92.4 billion, reaching around 100 billion in profits. In the latter half of 2007, the increase in use of EL as the main display in cellular phones shows the growing need of EL panels in the industry.
(2008.10.16 Nikkan Business Line by Mr. H Tsuka)
Torotrak Plc is set to join the LCVIP (Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform). The LCVIP is a joint venture of the British government's Department of Tourism and the TSB (Technology strategy board).
(2008.10.20 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Mitsubishi Materials begins sale of solar panel silicon materials with 2-3% higher efficiency
Thanks to one of its subsidiaries, Mitsubishi Materials will start the production of polycrystalline silicon ingots with better efficiency compared to those currently available on the market. The Akita-based JEMCO Inc. headed by Company President Akio Uchida has poured 1.4 billion yen in the construction of a new plant which will triple its annual production to 290 tons.
(2008.10.20 Nikkei Industrial News by Mr. H Tsuka)
■ Chemical Industry News Special: Organic EL Solar Cells
The necessity of organic electroluminescence (EL) is rapidly expanding. According to the Yano Research Institute, the shipment of organic EL panels in 2008 is expected to be 7.3 times higher than last year's 110 million sheets. Assuming a similar increase in total revenue of 42.1%, it can easily exceed last year's 92.4 billion, reaching around 100 billion in profits. In the latter half of 2007, the increase in use of EL as the main display in cellular phones shows the growing need of EL panels in the industry.
(2008.10.16 Nikkan Business Line by Mr. H Tsuka)
Monday, October 6, 2008
DSC News Updates
■ Solar Wars 1: Sunlight shining towards the next generation, A solar concentrator power tower emerges in Spain. (2008.10.6 Asahi News)
■ Solar Wars 2: The rise of solar cells in Asia, Attracting factories from around the globe
(2008.10.6 Asahi News)
■ Panasonic stops commercialization of solar cells, Drastic reduction in R&D
(2008.10.6 Nikkan Business Line)
■ Kyocera will launch highly-efficient polycrystalline solar cells (17.5% efficiency) in 2009
Using back-contact technology, they surpassed their previous record of 16.5%. In the past few years, due to competition from abroad, Kyocera's shares dropped to 4th place but with the new product, they are planning a comeback.
(2008.10.6 Nikkei News)
■ First solar car race in Africa, Towards alternative energy education
The South African Solar Challenge is the very first solar car race in Africa. The two-week race ran from Johannesburg moving southwest to Capetown and back towards Johannesburg along the African peninsula's coastline through Durban with a total of 4,175 km. The aim of the race to inform people about alternative energy and advances in ecological technology. "Many people still do not know that a 6 sq meter of solar panel can move a car with speeds up to 160 kph.", organizers said.
(2008.10.4 AFP BB News)
■ Solar Wars 2: The rise of solar cells in Asia, Attracting factories from around the globe
(2008.10.6 Asahi News)
■ Panasonic stops commercialization of solar cells, Drastic reduction in R&D
(2008.10.6 Nikkan Business Line)
■ Kyocera will launch highly-efficient polycrystalline solar cells (17.5% efficiency) in 2009
Using back-contact technology, they surpassed their previous record of 16.5%. In the past few years, due to competition from abroad, Kyocera's shares dropped to 4th place but with the new product, they are planning a comeback.
(2008.10.6 Nikkei News)
■ First solar car race in Africa, Towards alternative energy education
The South African Solar Challenge is the very first solar car race in Africa. The two-week race ran from Johannesburg moving southwest to Capetown and back towards Johannesburg along the African peninsula's coastline through Durban with a total of 4,175 km. The aim of the race to inform people about alternative energy and advances in ecological technology. "Many people still do not know that a 6 sq meter of solar panel can move a car with speeds up to 160 kph.", organizers said.
(2008.10.4 AFP BB News)
Friday, October 3, 2008
CEATEC 2008
TDK: Implementation of solar and battery cell combination for electric power supply system will not use silicon but DSC for the solar cell component. The organic dye will be anchored on ZnO using a non-sintering, low temperature process. So far, an efficiency of 7.9% has been attained.
CEATEC Japan 2008 , a cutting-edge IT & electronics comprehensive exhibition, was held from September 30 to October 4 in Makuhari Messe. Including silicon technology, although there weren’t a lot of solar cell technologies on display, there were a lot of people having a great time in this marvelous event. For those who’d like a taste, today is the last day. To the organizers and participants, great job!
Some pictures from CEATEC 2008:
CEATEC Japan 2008 , a cutting-edge IT & electronics comprehensive exhibition, was held from September 30 to October 4 in Makuhari Messe. Including silicon technology, although there weren’t a lot of solar cell technologies on display, there were a lot of people having a great time in this marvelous event. For those who’d like a taste, today is the last day. To the organizers and participants, great job!
Some pictures from CEATEC 2008:
DSC News Updates
■ Sharp plans to increase thin-film solar cells by 40 times by 2016
(2008.10.2 goo News/Asahi News)
■ Sharp finished increasing the production capacity of thin film Si solar cells in its
Katsuragi factory in Nara, and was ready for production from October 1, 2008. The per annum capacity of the factory was increased from the original 15 MW to the present capacity of 160 MW.
(2008.10.2 Tech-On!)
■ Indarra DTX clothing line from Buenos Aires, Argentina offers new line of solar cell clothes to provide power for mobile technology
(2008.10.3 Digital trends)
(2008.10.2 goo News/Asahi News)
■ Sharp finished increasing the production capacity of thin film Si solar cells in its
Katsuragi factory in Nara, and was ready for production from October 1, 2008. The per annum capacity of the factory was increased from the original 15 MW to the present capacity of 160 MW.
(2008.10.2 Tech-On!)
■ Indarra DTX clothing line from Buenos Aires, Argentina offers new line of solar cell clothes to provide power for mobile technology
(2008.10.3 Digital trends)
■ TDK plans to combine solar cell and battery cell technology
as an electrical power supply system in households to reduce CO2 emissions by 75%. Aims for self-manufacturing of production equipment and targets the introduction of technologies from top companies.
(2008.10.2 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Sharp begins high-volume shipment of 2nd generation thin-film solar cells
The Nara Katsuragi plant will start shipping from October 1, 2008. Sharp’s VP Hamano stated that Sharp aims to supply 50% of the world’s share in next- generation thin-film solar cells by 2012.
(2008.10.1 Kaden Watch and Reuters Japan)
as an electrical power supply system in households to reduce CO2 emissions by 75%. Aims for self-manufacturing of production equipment and targets the introduction of technologies from top companies.
(2008.10.2 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Sharp begins high-volume shipment of 2nd generation thin-film solar cells
The Nara Katsuragi plant will start shipping from October 1, 2008. Sharp’s VP Hamano stated that Sharp aims to supply 50% of the world’s share in next- generation thin-film solar cells by 2012.
(2008.10.1 Kaden Watch and Reuters Japan)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Introduction of Journal Publication
Mitsubishi Paper Mill’s D205 dye with 9.52% efficiency.
It’s a new world record for organic dyes in DSC.
Congratulations Itoh-sensei!
High conversion efficiency organic dye-sensitized solar cells with a novel indoline dye
Seigo Ito, Hidetoshi Miura, Satoshi Uchida, Masazaku Takata, Koichi Sumioka, Paul Liska, Pascal Comte, Peter Pechy and Michael Graetzel
Chem. Commun. 2008 DOI: 10.1039/b809093a
It’s a new world record for organic dyes in DSC.
Congratulations Itoh-sensei!
High conversion efficiency organic dye-sensitized solar cells with a novel indoline dye
Seigo Ito, Hidetoshi Miura, Satoshi Uchida, Masazaku Takata, Koichi Sumioka, Paul Liska, Pascal Comte, Peter Pechy and Michael Graetzel
Chem. Commun. 2008 DOI: 10.1039/b809093a
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
DSC News Updates
■ Strategy towards the future of new materials development
Organic thin film solar cells
Portable recharging made possible, Electrical outlets not necessary
(2008.9.30 Nikkei Business Daily by Mr. H Zuka)
■ Taiwan: Solar cell industry kicks off (2)
Aims for self-manufactureing of production equipment and targets the introduction of technologies from top companies
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Taiwan’s Neo-Solar Power Corporation aims to triple solar cell production capacity
to 70 GW per annum by 2010 through factory expansion
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Sanyo and ENEOS plan to cooperatively implement Si thin film solar cells by 2010
(2008.9.30 Tech-On!)
■ Sanyo Denki establishes a new company in Salem, Oregon USA.
In order to supply an expanding solar cell market, Sanyo aims to have a production capacity of 600 MW by 2010. In addition to the Sanyo Solar USA company, Sanyo is buildling a new factory to increase ingot and wafer production.
(2008.9.29 Sanyo Denki news release)
■ Bridgestone reinforces adhesive film production for solar cells
Bridgestone recognizes the increasing demand of adhesive EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) films for solar cells and thereby reinforces the production capacity of its Iwata factory in Shizuoka.
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
Organic thin film solar cells
Portable recharging made possible, Electrical outlets not necessary
(2008.9.30 Nikkei Business Daily by Mr. H Zuka)
■ Taiwan: Solar cell industry kicks off (2)
Aims for self-manufactureing of production equipment and targets the introduction of technologies from top companies
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Taiwan’s Neo-Solar Power Corporation aims to triple solar cell production capacity
to 70 GW per annum by 2010 through factory expansion
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
■ Sanyo and ENEOS plan to cooperatively implement Si thin film solar cells by 2010
(2008.9.30 Tech-On!)
■ Sanyo Denki establishes a new company in Salem, Oregon USA.
In order to supply an expanding solar cell market, Sanyo aims to have a production capacity of 600 MW by 2010. In addition to the Sanyo Solar USA company, Sanyo is buildling a new factory to increase ingot and wafer production.
(2008.9.29 Sanyo Denki news release)
■ Bridgestone reinforces adhesive film production for solar cells
Bridgestone recognizes the increasing demand of adhesive EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) films for solar cells and thereby reinforces the production capacity of its Iwata factory in Shizuoka.
(2008.9.30 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)
Nanotubes
This video was released by EPFL.
Nanotubes fabricated using a similar method (via anodic oxidation of metals) applied for DSC technology were previously reported in the following patent released in 2005.
Title of Invention: Electrode and Functional Elements
Inventors: Takaya Kubo, 朝野 剛、錦谷 禎範
Applicant: ENEOS
Patent Publication Number: 2005-150278
While we’re at this topic, the first to apply TiO2 nanotubes for DSC were I and former Kyoto University Professor Adachi (at around the same time). To ensure priority over this work, I published the “humble” paper listed below. Thankfully, until this day, it has been cited a total of 72 times. (^_^)
Application of Titania Nanotubes to a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
S. Uchida, R. Chiba, M. Tomiha N. Masaki and M. Shirai
Electrochemistry, 70(6), 418-420 (2002).
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