SEKISUI CHEMICAL To Launch 100 MW Perovskite Mass Production Line

Japanese plastics manufacturer SEKISUI CHEMICAL has announced an investment worth JPY 90 billion ($570 million) to start rolling out perovskite solar cells on a 100 MW line from 2027 onward. This is part of its plans to enter into GW-level production by 2030, ‘with an eye toward overseas expansion’.   

It has secured the support of the Development Bank of Japan for the joint operation of SEKISUI SOLAR FILM CO. LTD., a new company to be established for the purpose under a shareholders agreement as 86% and 14% owners, respectively.

This new company will engage into the design, manufacture and sale of perovskite solar cells. SEKISUI SOLAR will start operations from April 1, 2027 onward. 

Initially, the focus will be to supply the lightweight and flexible product on low-bearing roofs and in the public sector, including gymnasiums that serve as evacuation centers during disasters. Mass production will help lower costs which will create further demand for its products for roofs and exterior walls of private-sector buildings such as factories and warehouses, it stated.  

SEKISUI has been working in the perovskite space to commercialize the technology having established a roll-to-roll manufacturing process to produce film-type perovskite solar cells with a power efficiency of 15%. However, it was limited by high manufacturing costs.  

Now as one of the winners of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry sponsored GX Supply Chain Construction Project, SEKISUI has secured government subsidies to invest in its perovskite production plans.   

In February 2024, SEKISUI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economy in Slovakia to launch local production of flexible solar panels using thin-film perovskite solar cells (see Slovakia Seeking Japanese Support For Solar Module Production).