Japan breaks photovoltaics laws in the world — First-ever titanium solar panel makes history
Japan breaks photovoltaics laws in the world — First-ever titanium solar panel makes history
📰 IN NEWS – Japan Develops World’s First Titanium Solar Panel
Japanese scientists at the University of Tokyo have created the world’s first titanium-based solar panel, marking a revolutionary shift from traditional silicon panels.
This innovation combines titanium dioxide and selenium layers, enabling energy conversion potentially 1000× more efficient than silicon.
Titanium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but previously considered too expensive due to energy-intensive extraction.
The researchers developed a new purification technique using rare earth metal yttrium, which reduces oxygen content in titanium to 0.02%, dramatically lowering production costs.
Challenge: Possible yttrium contamination (~1%) could reduce corrosion resistance and longevity, especially in extreme conditions (e.g. aerospace).
The technology is drawing global interest as it could transform solar energy production and also benefit sectors like batteries, electronics, and medical prosthetics.
Seen as a possible next-generation alternative to silicon panels, aligning with clean energy and climate goals.
