Honda has begun selling new thin-film solar cells in Japan. The solar cells are made with a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS), rather than the conventional silicon. The cells are said to be “greener” because there is less carbon dioxide generated during their production. Some pundits believe that CIGS cells may become the low cost photovoltaic cell of the future.
Honda’s CIGS solar cells have a maximum output of 125 watts and will sell for approximately 60,375 yen ($495) in Japan. Starting this fall, Honda Soltec will mass produce solar cells at a ¥7-billion (US$61 million) plant with annual capacity of 27.5 megawatts, resulting in the expansion of sales throughout Japan.
In 2006, Honda announced a global CO2 reduction target for its products and the manufacturing of those products.
More details: After Gutenberg