First Heliatek OPV project in Japan – Ritsumeikan University bus stop

 

In late 2019, Heliatek was announced as one of three winners of the “Japan Energy Challenge 2019”, a competition hosted by Japanese SMAP Energy who drives to identify key technologies for the energy transition of Japan. Now, one year later, Heliatek has realised its first project in Japan in cooperation with Looop Inc. and Ritsumeikan University. The installation was realised on a bus stop of the Biwako-Kusatsu Campus of the University in the Shiga Prefecture (near Kyoto). HeliaSol (prototype) solar films were glued on flat and round shaped metal substructures, which were then mounted on the rooftop of the bus stop.

Takahito Nishimura, Assistant Professor of the Ritsumeikan-Global Innovation Research Organization: “Solar modules using thin-film are superior design to conventional solar panels based on silicon in terms of lightweight, flexibility and therefore can be installed on buildings with load limitations or walls with curved shape. This outdoor experiment will reveal how a curved installation of the flexible organic solar films will affect the amount of electricity generated and how to maximise it.”

Guido van Tartwijk, CEO of Heliatek: “We are very proud to finally realise first projects with our organic solar films in Japan. We see a huge potential for our innovative solar films in Japan. Due to land restrictions and the high degree of urbanisation, Japan has to look for new ways to generate clean and sustainable energy. Our films are lightweight, flexible and truly green – making them a perfect fit for these challenges. The Japan Energy Challenge 2019 enabled us to get access to a network of valuable partners that now help us bringing our new technology to Japan. We are excited about the various opportunities in Japan and thank all our partners and supporters to help us on that way.”

Caption: OPV on a bus stop: Heliatek’s first project in Japan (photo: Heliatek)