UEC Tokyo and Shizuoka Prefecture Initiate Pilot Project for Perovskite Solar Sharing on Steep Tea Plantations
UEC Tokyo and Shizuoka Prefecture Initiate Pilot Project for Perovskite Solar Sharing on Steep Tea Plantations
The University of Electro-Communications (UEC Tokyo) in Japan, in collaboration with the Shizuoka Prefectural Government, announced on April 27, 2026, the commencement of a pilot program utilizing "Suspension-Bridge-Type Cylindrical Solar Modules" for agrivoltaic applications. This initiative leverages next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to harmonize renewable energy generation with traditional agriculture on the steep, challenging terrains of Shizuoka’s tea plantations.
Synergistic Energy Harvesting and Agronomic Optimization
The project employs innovative modules where flexible PSC sheets are encapsulated within cylindrical tubes, a design that facilitates omnidirectional light absorption and ensures consistent power output regardless of the solar azimuth angle. Beyond energy efficiency, the modular configuration allows for the penetration of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and ambient airflow between the cylinders. This structural transparency is critical for maintaining the microclimate required for high-quality tea leaf cultivation beneath the solar array, effectively mitigating the trade-off between land use for energy and food production.
Geotechnical Adaptability via Suspension-Bridge Structural Design
A significant technical highlight of this demonstration is the adoption of a suspension-bridge-style mounting system, which bypasses the need for heavy, rigid support structures typically unsuitable for soft or high-gradient soils. This lightweight, tensile configuration exhibits superior aeroelastic stability against high-velocity winds while enabling rapid deployment and removal without extensive land grading. By conducting year-round monitoring of electrical yields and crop growth at the Tea Leaf Research Center in Kikugawa City, the partners aim to validate a scalable model for integrating advanced photovoltaics into Japan’s complex topographical landscapes.