Joint Development of Next-Generation Solar Cells Selected for Kanagawa Prefecture Carbon Neutral R&D Project Promotion Program!

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (President: Shinichi Sasayama, hereinafter “Tokyo Gas”) and PXP Corporation (President: Satoru Kuriyagawa, hereinafter “PXP”) have jointly developed a project titled 'Development toward Practical Application of Next-Generation Solar Cells Installable on Wide-Ranging Industrial Roofs and Walls' (hereinafter “this development”), which has been selected for the 'Fiscal 2026 Kanagawa Prefecture Carbon Neutral Research and Development Project Promotion Program' (hereinafter “this program”). This marks the second consecutive year that the collaborative effort between Tokyo Gas and PXP has been selected for this program. The Seventh Strategic Energy Plan sets a target of introducing approximately 20 GW of next-generation solar cells by 2040, making it essential to promote installation on roofs and walls with low load-bearing capacity, where installation has previously been difficult. Last year’s demonstration focused primarily on developing installation methods for industrial roofs. This year, the scope will be further expanded, with the main focus being on demonstrating installation on walls, which offer significant potential for solar cell deployment. Generally, walls have more diverse materials and surface conditions compared to roofs. Conventional construction methods require mounting frames, screws, and bolts, making it difficult to fully utilize the next-generation solar cells’ characteristics of being 'thin, lightweight, and flexible,' posing challenges for social implementation. Therefore, in this development, Tokyo Gas will combine its proprietary adhesive installation expertise cultivated through its solar PPA service 'Hinatao Solar' with PXP’s next-generation chalcopyrite solar cells. By conducting real-environment demonstrations, the project aims to establish a new installation method that enables direct adhesive bonding to various wall materials and surface conditions without the need for mounting frames. Through this development, Tokyo Gas will promote the wider adoption of solar power generation systems and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. 　　　Chalcopyrite Solar Cell (provided by PXP)　　　　　　　　　Wall Installation Concept Kanagawa Prefecture has set the goal of 'achieving a decarbonized society by 2050' and is promoting various initiatives. This program leverages Kanagawa’s unique characteristics—home to large enterprises conducting world-leading research and SMEs with high technological capabilities—to support and promote collaborative R&D projects among multiple companies, including those with R&D bases in the prefecture and SMEs headquartered within it, contributing to the realization of a 'decarbonized society by 2050.' Through its solar PPA service offered as 'Hinatao Solar,' Tokyo Gas achieves safe and reliable solar panel installations using proprietary installation methods developed through in-house material evaluation and wind resistance testing. In 2024, the company established and began offering a new proprietary method for installing thin, lightweight solar panels on slate roofs using adhesives. By 2026, it plans to establish a new installation method for walls that does not require conventional mounting frames. *1: Tokyo Gas 'Hinatao Solar' official website *2: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology website – CIGS Solar Cells (Chalcopyrite-based)