Japan Bets on Thin, Flexible Solar Panels to Go Green

Car drives past hillside with traditional solar panels near Motomiya, Fukushima (April 23, 2025).

Japan is making major investments in ultra-thin, flexible perovskite solar panels, aiming to reduce its carbon emissions and challenge China’s dominance in the solar energy sector.

These lightweight panels, made with iodine—a resource Japan has in abundance—are seen as ideal for the country’s mountainous terrain, where traditional solar farms are difficult to build.

Perovskite panels are printed or painted onto flexible materials, making them just a millimetre thick and light enough to install on curved or uneven surfaces. Unlike bulky silicon panels encased in glass and metal, these can be used on skyscrapers, stadiums, and even windows.

Despite their promise, the technology faces challenges. Perovskite cells currently have a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency than traditional silicon panels. They also contain toxic lead, raising environmental concerns over disposal.

Still, with a net-zero emissions goal by 2050, Japan sees this as a vital step. “We must implement these panels in society at all costs,” said Minister of Industry Yoji Muto. He emphasized their potential to advance both decarbonization and industrial competitiveness.

To support the transition, the government is offering generous subsidies. A $1 billion grant was recently given to Sekisui Chemical to build a factory capable of producing panels for 30,000 households by 2027. By 2040, Japan hopes to scale up production to generate 20 gigawatts of electricity—equivalent to 20 nuclear reactors.

The nation’s broader renewable energy strategy includes covering up to 29% of its electricity needs through solar power, both silicon and perovskite, by 2040—up from 9.8% in 2023.

Projects are already underway. A 46-storey building in Tokyo is set to be powered by perovskite panels by 2028. Fukuoka plans to cover its domed baseball stadium with the technology, while Panasonic is developing perovskite-powered windows.

Experts believe Japan’s full control over the production process, from raw materials to installation, offers significant energy and economic security advantages. With continuing research, perovskite panels are expected to match silicon in performance and double in lifespan over the next decade.

“If Japan can create a successful model, this technology could spread globally,” said University of Tokyo professor Hiroshi Segawa. “It’s not about choosing between silicon or perovskite—it’s about maximizing renewable potential.”