This research covers solar photovoltaic technology that converts sunlight directly into electrical energy encompassing; research and development that contributes to the creative clean energy generation for the future, including the creation of chemical fuel technologies for hydrogen generation using solar energy; and technology for the simultaneous production of electrical energy and chemical fuel.
Specifically, the target of the research and development are solar cells and materials composed of silicon crystals and thin films, compound semiconductors, dye-sensitized and organic materials, and new super high-efficiency solar cells, in addition to the creation of useful fuels, such as hydrogen, and the simultaneous creation of valuable material and clean energy using solar energy. In this research area, we will focus on the basics of material search, fundamental physical analysis (light absorption, charge separation, material deterioration, and so on), and on new principles for realizing higher efficiency and longer lifetime. We will perform creative research and development that establishes the breakthrough technologies in the future. To this end, the research will be a fusion of material sciences and device physics; consequently to create breakthrough technologies in this area, we will combine the expertise of researchers from the different fields of physics, chemistry, and electronic engineering and utilize cutting edge nanotechnology to promote research and development by combining the strengths of different disciplines.