Honda Soltec., Honda’s wholly-owned solar cell subsidiary, today began sales of two new residential-use solar cell modules with maximum output of 130W and 120W respectively, as well as a power conditioner with rated output of 5.5kW in Japan. Honda Soltec’s solar cells use thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS), making it environmentally responsible both in the manufacturing process and in use. The new residential-use solar cell module with maximum output of 130W achieves solar energy conversion efficiency of 11.6%, which is the highest among CIGS-based solar cells currently being sold in Japan.
To date, Honda Soltec has sold residential-use solar cell modules to approximately 2,250 homes through home builders and contractors. The company has installed public/industrial-use solar cells to approximately 120 buildings including Hanshin Koshien Stadium, warehouse of logistics centers and hospitals, etc. In an environment of increasing demand, the company will expand its business to regions outside Japan in the future.