Ah, this is something Japan knows how to do, and do well. Research.

Sharp Corp. Sanyo Electric Co. and 15 other companies has joined forces with Gifu University to conduct research on nanocrystalline silicon, a promising material for highly energy-efficient thin-film solar cells.

The consortium will

1. explore the nanocrystalline silicon as the next-generation photovoltaic material = solar cell. Japan is a leader in solar cells and wants to pull far ahead.
2. analyze the properties of nanocrystalline silicon
3. collect the kinds of basic data needed to develop solar cell materials
4. use a scanning probe microscopes to observe electron movements in the silicon when the material is exposed to light
5. study unknown phenomena taking place on the surface of the silicon thin film
6. create a device to use for quick, objective evaluations during the product development process.

In the end, cheaper and more efficiently made and higher quality products, if Japan does what Japan does best.

Image courtesy of brixton

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe free for our updates via RSS feed. Thanks for visiting and please do come back!

Sanyo Electric is, no doubt, a leader in the solar cell industry. The company just opened a new production base in Shiga, Japan. Annual capacity is expected to reach 40MW by March of 2009. Adding in its Tokyo plant, Nishikinohama plant, Hungary plant and Mexico plant, total production will reach 340MW.

It’s not enough. Sanyo wants production to reach 600MW by March 2011 (Japan’s fiscal year ends in March). By 2020, Sanyo wants to roll out 4GW per year.  Japan’s Shiga plant is a module plant, meaning it can grow as demand grows…and we do hope that there is a demand for more solar power in the future, don’t we?

And, if you don’t want to pay out the gazoo for Japan’s expertise, efficiency and quality, there are always Beer Bottles to use fo Solar Water Heating.