http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2006/tc20060213_902137.htmThese days environmental initiatives from auto makers -- and the requisite ad campaigns trumpeting them -- are almost as common as new vehicle launches. So it's understandable that cynics question how green car manufacturers really are. From an environmental standpoint, however, it's hard to quibble with the latest energy-related move from Honda Motor.
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As 2005 drew to a close, the Japanese auto maker quietly announced plans to launch production of solar cells next year. The panels won't be for Civics, Accords, or any other Honda cars, though. Instead, they'll be used in homes and businesses. Honda says the new $86 million factory in western Japan will annually produce panels that together could pump out a total of 27.5 megawatts of power -- enough for 8,000 homes.
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Why now? Honda says it's not just a question of good publicity. One important reason for its entry is a new solar technology developed by its researchers. Most solar cells on the market today are silicon-based. Honda’s engineers are commercializing a way to produce cells using a thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. The carmaker says these provide similar output to silicon-based cells, but require far less energy to manufacture.
That should mean cheaper solar panels for customers. Today it costs about $16,800 to outfit a home with solar cells capable of churning out 4 kilowatts of power. Reports in the Japanese media reckon Honda's cells will likely retail at around $12,500. With production still over a year away, Hagino can't confirm the final price, but does say, "We wouldn't enter the business if we couldn't compete."
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