Japan Unveils Solar Jackets to Beat the Heat and Generate Power

Japan has introduced a groundbreaking innovation designed to offer relief during extreme summer heat solar jackets. These smart jackets, displayed at Expo 2025 in Osaka, are equipped with tiny fans powered by solar energy, making them a perfect solution for high-temperature environments.

What makes these jackets special is their ability to generate electricity through ultra-light solar panels embedded directly into the fabric. Made from perovskite material, the panels are much lighter and more flexible than traditional silicon-based solar panels. Weighing just 4 grams per panel, they’re lighter than a piece of paper and can function even in low light, cloudy weather, or under artificial indoor lighting like LEDs.

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This innovative wearable tech is the result of a collaboration between several major Japanese companies, including a Toyota Group affiliate, a solar technology startup, and a textile manufacturer. Together, they’ve created a jacket that is not only comfortable to wear but also suitable for workers in remote or off-grid locations where access to electricity is limited.

But the innovation doesn’t stop at jackets. The Expo also featured solar smart poles developed by a Polish company. These poles can power streetlights, security cameras, and even provide wireless charging for nearby devices. The shared goal is to promote localized energy production in urban environments, reducing dependency on centralized power grids.

Japan has set an ambitious target of producing 20 gigawatts of solar energy by 2040. The government and private companies are planning to install perovskite panels on building walls, rooftops, and bus stops, helping to power devices like smartphones and smartwatches in the near future.

Despite their promise, perovskite panels do come with challenges. They can degrade under exposure to moisture, heat, and sunlight. Additionally, some versions contain lead, raising environmental concerns. However, researchers across the globe are actively developing new methods to extend the lifespan of these panels and reduce environmental risks.

These solar jackets represent a new direction in the world of energy and wearable technology. In the future, we may see more clothing and accessories that not only keep us cool but also charge our electronic devices turning the human body into a mobile power hub.

This is just the beginning of a sustainable, tech-driven lifestyle that brings together innovation, comfort, and eco-conscious living.