Japan to prioritize perovskite solar over silicon in new subsidies

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment plans to exclude conventional silicon solar panels from new subsidy programs starting in fiscal 2027. This decision follows a significant decline in the installation costs of silicon technology.

The shift aims to prioritize next-generation solar technologies, specifically perovskite solar cells, to bolster industrial competitiveness and meet environmental goals. Perovskite cells are noted for being lightweight and flexible, allowing for installation in locations where traditional panels are impractical. Japan currently controls approximately 30% of the global iodine supply, which is a critical raw material for perovskite production.

Supporting this transition, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aims to deploy roughly 20 GW of perovskite-based photovoltaic systems by 2040. Additionally, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has initiated a six-year research and development program to advance large-scale manufacturing and field testing of tandem perovskite solar cells, as part of Japan’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.