JP Ver.

Kiyosu, Japan, January 31, 2025: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. will start a trial of smartwear fitted with perovskite solar cells as clothing that can generate power, moving the company closer to commercial application of perovskite cells.

Perovskite solar cells are thinner and lighter than existing solar cells, and their high flexibility makes them better suited for use on curved and other non-conventional surfaces. They are promising for widespread use due to their low cost and high electricity generation efficiency. Toyoda Gosei has been conducting joint development with Enecoat Technologies Co., Ltd., a startup specializing in this technology, since investing in the company in 2023.

Now, as a product application of perovskite solar cells, the companies have made a prototype smartwear that can be fitted with these solar cells manufactured by Enecoat Technologies for functions such as health management with various sensors and heating/cooling, using the generated power. Toyoda Gosei has used its high frequency power source control technology to develop a power control unit that can store the electricity generated with these solar cells. In collaboration with Seiren Co., Ltd., it has established a technology for attaching solar cells to clothing without wiring, using Seiren’s Viscotecs®* and sewing technology. A demonstration of its durability is planned in cooperation with exhibiting companies in private sector pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which will be held from April 13 through October 13, 2025.

In its medium- to long-term 2030 Business Plan, Toyoda Gosei aims to be a “Company that contributes to a future of better mobility and living,” developing solutions to the challenges faced by society. The company will participate in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai as a proving ground for these leading-edge technologies and services.

* Seiren's original integrated digital production system for planning to manufacturing and sales.

Smartwear fitted with perovskite solar cells

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