Japanese telecommunications company KDDI announced on the eighth that it has begun proof-of-concept (PoC) for a 'flexible solar cell' using perovskite solar cells in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, in collaboration with KDDI Research Center and Enercote Technologies.

That is Japan's first flexible solar cell project, and the PoC is scheduled to last for one yr.

KDDI is answerable for the event, construction, operation, and verification testing of base stations using perovskite solar cells.

KDDI General Research Institute provides performance evaluation of solar cells, technical support for base station installation, and evaluation of experimental data, and Enercoat provides perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells, unlike existing silicon solar cells, are flexible modules with good bending characteristics and are attracting attention as a product that may lead the next-generation solar energy market. High conversion efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and lightweight weight are also benefits.

KDDI explained, “It was difficult to put in solar panels for pole-type or building-mounted types, which currently account for a lot of the base stations, as a consequence of the small site area.”

“Nonetheless, with the next-generation solar cells which can be thin, light, and bendable, we are going to solve the issue by wrapping them around pole-type base stations and installing them,” he said. “This may enable solar energy generation even in pole-type base stations with small land areas and create a sustainable solution.” “It’s now possible to expand base stations for the longer term,” he said.

The three firms added that they are going to proceed to contemplate ways to expand the appliance of perovskite solar cell technology to KDDI base stations.

Reporter Lee Yu-seon energy@aiitmes.com