Enecoat to Commercialize Space-Use Perovskite Solar Cells by 2035

2026-05-24

Selected for JAXA fund project

Enecoat Technologies, a solar cell startup spun out of Kyoto University in Kumiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, aims to commercialize thin, flexible perovskite solar cells that can also be used in space as early as 2035. The company envisions them being mounted on lunar bases and satellites.

The company’s perovskite solar cells were recently selected for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's, or JAXA's, Space Strategy Fund project. JAXA will evaluate progress around the second year of demonstration. The support cap is generally 200 million yen, and the company will advance development of batteries that can withstand the harsh temperature swings and other conditions in space.

Lightweight and durability are strengths

Compared with conventional silicon-based cells, perovskite solar cells are less than one-tenth the weight, making them easier to mount on satellites, where weight restrictions are severe. In small sizes, their power generation efficiency exceeds 20%, a level comparable with conventional types, and they are seen as suitable for space applications.

Also, because there is no water in space, one of perovskite's weaknesses - its tendency to have its crystal structure damaged by moisture absorption - is less likely to emerge. Their thin-film structure also gives them relatively high resistance to radiation, the company says. President Naoya Kato said, 'In space, sunlight is the only energy source, and we want to open up applications for space and aviation with perovskite solar cells.'

Mass production plans and competitive landscape

Enecoat is a startup spun out of Kyoto University and has strengths in materials technology that leverages the university's research results. In film-type perovskite solar cells, it has expertise in the process of thinly coating a film with solution, drying it and promoting crystallization.

The company plans to begin operations at a factory in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, in fiscal 2027, with total investment, including production equipment, exceeding 10 billion yen. At the start, it will produce small batteries for wearable devices such as smartwatches.

Companies are racing to develop perovskite solar cells, and Sekisui Chemical launched one in March 2026. Panasonic Holdings began a demonstration in fiscal 2025 to install them on the windows of commercial facilities, while startups in China are also moving into mass production.

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