The history of solar technology in the U.S., particularly the first solar cell, dates back to 1883 in New York, when Charles Fritts designed the first selenium solar cell coated with a gold layer. Now, Japanese students have developed the first titanium-selenium cell, which is smashing records in the industry. These students concluded that their technology is 1,000 times more powerful than any solar panel. In addition, it has the potential to address some of the challenges that we face with conventional solar technology.
Addressing the challenges of conventional solar technology
Solar technology plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change by contributing to the global transition away from carbon-emitting fossil fuels to renewable energies and their sustainable power. Despite the global solar capacity having reached new heights in 2025, an increase in solar panels does not necessarily mean their performance is at full potential.
According to a report by FUERGY, conventional solar technology is still presenting significant challenges to the world, which include, but are not limited to:
- Poor long-term durability, which makes them prone to corrosion and regular maintenance
- Limited efficiency, as only a fraction of solar energy is converted into power
- Requires vast installation space, as more installations are required to increase efficiency
- They are present expensive upfront costs
To address these particular challenges, Japanese students have studied various materials and, as a result, have developed the first titanium-selenium cell, which has been smashing records in the solar world.
Japanese students develop first titanium-selenium cell smashing records
A group of students from the University of Tokyo is behind the development of the titanium-selenium cell, showing the potential locked up in this powerful combination. While Japan has been part of several significant breakthroughs in the solar world, such as creating the next-gen solar design that equals 20 reactors, this creation takes the cake.
How it works
- Titanium dioxide is a semiconductor, which allows visible light to pass through, while UV light is absorbed
- Titanium dioxide and selenium are combined to create a thin-film layer, which decreases the interference from the contaminant tellurium
Altogether, the combination has achieved efficiency that is 1,000 times more powerful than any solar panel. However, the potential of the titanium-selenium cell does not stop there.
It’s 1,000x more powerful than any solar panel
According to Green Humans, the study’s early tests revealed significant results that could reshape the entire solar industry. Solar power conversion achieved an efficiency of 4.49%, all thanks to the enhanced bond between layers that decreased contamination from tellurium. In addition to these results, the following were also achieved:
- A 0.795 V open-circuit voltage
- A 11.13 mA/cm2 short-circuit density
- A 50.7% fill factor
The increased open-circuit voltage, together with the lower dark leakage current numbers compared to other designs highlight the significance of the Japanese student’s design. This places titanium-selenium cells at the lead of next-gen solar technologies. Other benefits of their technology include:
- Increased durability and lifespan
- Lightweight panels, which increase application versatility
- More environmentally friendly in production
- More cost-effective, which could boost accessibility to solar power
The current challenge posed by this technology is the contaminating effects of yttrium, Japan’s secret weapon in making titanium purer and thus more cost-effective. The team continues working on this challenge.
In conclusion, the Japanese students’ development of this pioneering titanium-selenium cell not only indicates what performance is possible, but also that it can be achieved while making the technology affordable and accessible to more people. This will allow resource-lacking nations to decrease their reliance on imports, which will foster energy independence and boost their economic growth. As they continue to overcome remaining challenges, Japan is also exploring ways to produce energy with snow. It just goes to show that where there is a will, there is a way.
