Innovative Solar: Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward Turns Windows into Power Generators
A new project in Chiyoda Ward aims to decarbonize by generating solar power on its many buildings, turning walls and windows into efficient energy sources.
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Generating solar power on building windows is the goal behind a new pilot project launched by Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. The aim is to further the decarbonization effort. A trailer designed to resemble a building has been placed in front of JR Akihabara Station. Tests of the power-generating glass will run through October 20.
A New Kind of Solar
Chiyoda Ward is home to one of Japan's major business districts. As such, there is limited flat land available for solar power generation. The ward hopes to become more energy self-sufficient by utilizing the sides of buildings for generating electricity.
According to the ward, the floor area of the trailer is about 15 square meters. It is equipped with six power-generating glass panels (covering an area of approximately 17 square meters) on its windows and six solar panels (covering approximately 10 square meters) on the roof. It also features storage battery equipment to power air conditioning, lighting, and a power generation monitor. The pilot project will collect data on sunlight and power generation.
Chiyoda Ward has set a goal of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. To this end, it signed a cooperation agreement with YKK AP, a leading building materials company. The pilot project then began on July 25.
YKK AP is known for developing building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems that use building windows and walls for solar power generation. Based on the results of the pilot, the company aims to commercialize this technology for existing buildings.
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