What happened
Japan is preparing further financial and regulatory measures to build a domestic perovskite solar-cell industry. It plans to offer ¥100 billion in public backing over the next four years for investments by Ricoh and Choshu Industry, which are developing flexible perovskite cells.
The two companies intend to contribute an equivalent amount from their own resources and seek to begin volume production. Sekisui Chemical, which has previously received comparable support, aims through an affiliate to start manufacturing a similar product in 2027. Panasonic Holdings is targeting 2029 for mass production of glass-based perovskite cells designed for use on windows.
The government also intends to include perovskite technology in an energy-sector decarbonisation strategy due to be announced late in 2026.
Why it matters
The measures are intended to create more sites for lightweight solar products that can be fitted to existing buildings. They could strengthen Japan's domestic supply chain in a solar technology where Chinese producers have already established an early position in glass-type cells.
For businesses supplying or deploying perovskite products, the proposed changes point to potential demand from industrial sites, public buildings and infrastructure. The reported plans set out no direct obligations or support measures for Türkiye or the EU.
Background
Japan plans to revise rules in fiscal 2026 that require at least 25% of industrial land to be set aside for green space or environmental facilities. The revision would permit areas visible from the front, as well as from above, to be counted, supporting wall-mounted installations.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency is also expected to update guidance so panels can be fitted at locations such as petrol stations and vehicle factories without protective glass coverings. The government plans to encourage deployment at central-government buildings, regional administrative facilities and Self-Defense Forces sites, while continuing to ask local authorities to consider installations on buildings and infrastructure.
What's next
Japan's decarbonisation strategy is scheduled for release in late 2026, and the industrial-land rule revision is planned during fiscal 2026. Sekisui's affiliate is aiming for production in 2027, followed by Panasonic's planned 2029 launch.
