

The installation of “Solar Parking Lots” is a part of this initiative. For each of the bicycle parking lots operated by the city of Setagaya at Keio Line Sakurajosui Station and Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line Sakurashinmachi Station, HIT*1 solar panels (approximate 46m2, 7.56kW) are installed on the roof to generate sufficient power to recharge the batteries of a total of 100 “eneloop bike” units and illuminate the LED parking lot lights. “eneloop bike” is SANYO’s energy recycling electric hybrid bicycle featuring a regenerative charging function that enables electricity generation and battery charging during riding.

By combining “HIT solar panels” with “lithium-ion battery systems”, SANYO’s Solar Parking Lot enables recharging the electric hybrid bicycles without any commercial power source, even at night or on a rainy day. The lithium-ion battery system also features AC power outlets that can be used to power external equipment during an emergency.
In addition, the installed system incorporates a “DC charger.” The “DC charger” enables photovoltaic energy generated and stored in DC (direct current) to be used directly and effectively without AC (alternative current) conversion.

This system was developed with the aim of contributing to realizing a clean energy society by minimizing CO2 emissions and stabilizing power supply/demand. The Solar Parking Lot installed in Setagaya is a small-scale SES that generates clean energy in the “HIT solar panels” that are capable of the world’s highest-class power generation efficiency and stores it in the “lithium-ion battery systems.” The “eneloop bikes” will utilize this clean energy efficiently without any waste and enhance the convenience and comfort of people’s lives.

Sanyo aims to post ¥100 billion in sales by fiscal 2015. Sano perceives the U.S. as a promising market for the next-generation energy system because the U.S. has not yet laid down a complete network of power transmission lines. (Sanyo)