SOLAFIL: The next generation of lightweight photovoltaics
SEKISUI CHEMICAL has officially launched SOLAFIL, a film-type perovskite solar cell, marking a major milestone in the development of next-generation photovoltaic technologies. After years of research, pilot projects, and large-scale demonstrations, SOLAFIL is now entering the early commercialisation phase.
What is SOLAFIL?
SOLAFIL is a film-type perovskite solar cell developed by SEKISUI CHEMICAL and manufactured by our dedicated subsidiary, SEKISUI SOLAR FILM Co., Ltd., which was established in January 2025.
Unlike conventional silicon panels, its lightweight and flexible structure allows installation on surfaces with limited load-bearing capacity. These characteristics make it possible to integrate solar power into locations that were previously difficult to equip with traditional photovoltaic systems.
The name SOLAFIL comes from “Solar Film”, directly reflecting the product’s form factor, while also evoking the idea of “filling” everyday spaces with clean energy.
Applications: Expanding usable surface area for solar energy
Thanks to its unique characteristics, SOLAFIL is particularly suited to low-load-bearing roofs, such as those on warehouses, gymnasiums, and public buildings, as well as to industrial facilities, including large metal roofs and façades.
Demonstration projects in Japan hare currently underway, demonstrating its viability across public infrastructure, transport facilities, and building-integrated applications, including SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s headquarters building in Osaka.
From development to industrial scale-up
SEKISUI has developed film-type perovskite solar cells over several years, with support from Japan’s Green Innovation Fund and other public programmes. In March 2026, SEKISUI and SEKISUI SOLAR FILM confirmed that the core manufacturing technology using existing equipment had been completed and that the commercialisation of film-type perovskite solar cell products would begin.
To support market expansion, SEKISUI is implementing a phased scale-up strategy, with limited production beginning in fiscal year 2026, followed by the launch of a 100 MW production line in 2027, and moving toward gigawatt-scale capacity at the earliest opportunity. This approach is intended to ensure reliable supply while continuing to improve durability and optimise costs as deployment increases.
Looking ahead
With SOLAFIL, SEKISUI is contributing to the evolution of solar energy solutions at a time when lightweight, adaptable technologies are increasingly needed.
Rather than replacing conventional photovoltaic systems, SOLAFIL film-type perovskite solar cells are intended to complement them by enabling new installation surfaces and expanding potential applications.
For the initial commercialisation phase, SEKISUI SOLAR FILM will focus first on the Japanese market, while maintaining an eye toward overseas expansion as it continues to build demand and gradually increase investment. At this stage, SOLAFIL is not yet available in Europe, and its introduction to other regions will depend on further industrial and market developments.