New Prius stays cool with Kyocera solar modules

Kyocera Corporation is supplying solar modules for the new Toyota Prius solar ventilation system, an optional feature for the hybrid car model introduced in Japan this week by Toyota Motor Corporation.

The system ventilates the air inside of the car by using the electricity generated by the solar module on the rooftop to drive the fans while the car is parked during the daytime. This feature automatically moderates temperature rise inside the vehicle during hot weather.

Kyocera first tested the solar module design to ensure heat resistance, vibration resistance, shock resistance and other aspects. The company has also set up a dedicated production line with specialised manufacturing engineers to ensure thorough manufacturing control.

A high level of aesthetic quality was also required of the design of the solar modules to be mounted on the roof of the new Prius model. To achieve this, Kyocera used Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) technology, which creates microscopic ridges on the surface of the cell to improve light absorption while also producing a uniform dark navy blue color.

Kyocera first began producing multicrystalline silicon solar cells in 1982 using the casting method, which has now become the mainstream method used in solar power generating systems today. The firm carries out all production processes in-house, from procurement of raw materials to silicon casting, cutting, wafer substrate production, cell production, and solar module assembly.