DSC News Update

■ 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)