Japan has achieved a major milestone in solar technology with the development of Sphelar®, a new class of spherical solar cells that break away from the century-old assumption that solar panels must be flat. Traditional photovoltaic systems rely on flat silicon wafers that need to face the sun directly to maximise energy absorption. But researchers led by Kyosemi Corporation asked a simple yet revolutionary question: why must solar cells be flat? By embracing this curiosity and extensive research, Japanese engineers have created tiny photovoltaic spheres that can capture sunlight from any angle — direct, reflected and ambient — without the need for tracking mechanisms to follow the sun’s movement.

This omnidirectional light harvest means energy can be collected more consistently throughout the day and from varying light conditions, offering a more adaptable and potentially efficient alternative to conventional panels.

The Sphelar cells are formed from molten silicon shaped in microgravity research conditions, which allows them to crystallise into smooth spheres with photovoltaic properties. These spherical modules have already produced functional electricity in prototype form, proving the concept that solar energy capture need not be limited to rigid, flat surfaces. Japan now stands at the forefront of a solar paradigm shift, imagining applications that range from flexible urban installations to energy-harvesting materials integrated into everyday products. If scaled successfully, this innovation could broaden how and where solar power is deployed, helping accelerate global clean energy adoption.