Panasonic and Aiko Solar advance next-generation solar technologies

Panasonic Holdings has announced it will begin mass-producing electricity-generating window glass in April 2029, accelerating its original timeline by one year. The technology utilizes ENEFACE glass-integrated perovskite solar cells, which can be integrated into windows, facades, and balcony barriers. This development aims to expand renewable energy generation in densely populated urban areas where rooftop space is limited. Panasonic has achieved a certified conversion efficiency of 18.1% in test modules and plans to utilize proprietary inkjet coating and laser-processing technologies to customize glass dimensions and transparency.

In China, Aiko Solar is converting its manufacturing base in Tianjin from passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar cell capacity to 6 GW of its proprietary all-back-contact (ABC) technology. The company plans to invest approximately CNY 1.15 billion ($172.2 million) to upgrade the facility. The ABC technology moves electrical grid lines to the rear of the cell to increase light absorption and improve aesthetics. Aiko Solar cited a performance bottleneck and declining market demand for p-type PERC cells as the primary drivers for this strategic shift toward higher-efficiency n-type technology.