High-Efficiency Solar Cells:SHARP CORPORATION

Overview

Sharp has been a leader in the development and commercialization of high-efficiency solar products. Sharp scientists and engineers have operated at the forefront of solar cell advancement, breaking numerous solar-efficiency records over the past two decades. Sharp aims to continue this tradition, as well as successfully transfer the technological breakthroughs obtained in the laboratory to cutting-edge product applications to power future emission-free markets.

Flexible modules will give this convertible EV a gorgeous design and the occupants an enhanced driving experience
Compound solar cells will one day be ubiquitous in powering mobility both on the ground and in the air
Compound solar cell technology holds promise for infrastructure across a broad range of fields
Stratospheric 5G communication gliders will utilize efficient, lightweight, flexible solar devices to stay in the air indefinitely
Self-flying paragliders powered by compound solar cells will transport goods to remote areas in the event of a disaster
With insect populations declining due to climate change and pesticide use, tiny flying robots may be needed for organic farming

Concept video of Sharp’s compound solar modules for future mobility

Awards

iF Design Award given to Sharp for ultra-thin, lightweight compound solar modules

Compound Solar Module for Future Mobility

To solve energy supply problems in a wide range of fields, in addition to widely used silicon solar cells, Sharp has developed solar cells using three technologies: dye-sensitized, perovskite, and compound. Compound solar cells’ benefits include light weight, high efficiency, and the ability to conform to curved surfaces. Sharp has already implemented widespread usage of compound solar cells on artificial satellites*¹ but they also hold high hope for use in aerospace, EVs, and other applications in the field of mobility. To this end, Sharp has applied its triple-junction compound solar cell module to conduct demonstration experiments with national research institutes, car makers, and other organizations. This and other efforts have resulted in the achievement of the world’s highest*² conversion efficiency of 32.65%. The iF Design Award recognizes Sharp’s concrete vision of achieving a net-zero society by visualizing a future in which solar cells are used on vehicles such as stratospheric aircraft and EVs, and in fields such as logistics and robotics, based on the concept “To power all mobility with just solar energy.”

*1 Sharp is the only solar cell maker in Japan whose products are authorized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for use on artificial satellites. They have been used on many satellites since 1976.
*2 As of April 20, 2023, for solar cell modules in the research stage (based on Sharp findings).

The iF Design Award was launched in 1953 and is one of the world’s most prestigious product design awards. See more:
Press release: https://global.sharp/corporate/news/230420-a.html
iF Design Award page: https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/sharp-compound-solar-module-for-future-mobility/574902

Products

Stratosphere Solar Cell Sheets

Solar cell sheet module for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) flying in the stratosphere. This module gives best performance in the low-temperature stratospheric environment, and is designed to maximize capture of albedo (sunlight reflected from the earth). Both monofacial and bifacial modules are available.

Flight Design – Lightweight, highly efficient flexible solar cells suitable for solar-powered aircraft applications
Light Flight Mass – Interconnected cell modules with typical mass density of 280 grams/m² generate up to 351 W/m²
Customizable – Offered as single cells or interconnected series of single-, dual-, or triple-junction cells; monofacial and bifacial designs also available

DATASHEET

Type		Bifacial
Triple-junction	InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs	-
Dual-junction	InGaP/GaAs	Available
Single-junction	GaAs	Available

R&D

For EVs

Sharp has initiated public road trials of EVs equipped with high-performance Sharp solar cells exhibiting a conversion efficiency greater than 34%. These trials aim to demonstrate the feasibility of future solar-powered cars, including the potential for charge-less EVs. Specifically, in partnership with Toyota, an EV equipped with 860 watts of high-efficiency triple-junction solar cells demonstrated sufficient solar-derived power to propel a standard-sized consumer sedan 44.5 km/day under normal solar illumination conditions.

News

2023.10.27: Tandem/Silicon Stacked Solar Cell Module Achieves the World’s Highest Conversion Efficiency of 33.66%
2023.04.20: Sharp Compound Solar Module Wins 2023 iF Design Award
2022.06.06: Sharp Achieves World's Highest Conversion Efficiency of 32.65% in a Lightweight, Flexible, Practically Sized Solar Module
2019.07: NEDO, Sharp, and Toyota to Begin Public Road Trials of Electrified Vehicles Equipped with High-efficiency Solar Batteries
2013.04: Sharp Develops Solar Cell with World's Highest Conversion Efficiency of 37.9%
2013.06: Sharp Develops Concentrator Solar Cell with World's Highest Conversion Efficiency of 44.4%
: A track record of over 60 years

High-Efficiency Solar Cells