Economy & Tech

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.

Published

3 days ago

September 17, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

An official from Chiyoda Ward gives a speech at the opening ceremony of the pilot project to test a trailer equipped with power-generating glass in Akihabara, Tokyo.

Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - Innovative Solar: Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward Turns Windows into Power Generators

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.

Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to read more about how Chiyoda Ward plans to generate energy on its buildings.

And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our affiliated website Japan 2 Earth (J2E), sparking a transition to a sustainable future.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun