We reported recently that Sharp with be partnering with Tokyo Electron Ltd to produce thin-film solar cells. Now, news has it that Sharp will be working with two new firms, Daiwa House Industry Co. and Nippon Printing Co., to make storage batteries for household solar power systems.

Today's solar power systems don't have the ability to store energy. So typically these solar power systems are only able to supply three quarters of the daily 12kwh power, which a regular household needs.

The three companies have plans of developing a lithium ion battery that is able to store up to 18kwh of power from the electricity generated by solar panels during the day. Through this, the stored energy can be used at night.

Eliiy Power Co., a lithium ion battery development venture between Daiwa House and Nippon Printing, has found a way that cuts down on the material used when making the materials of lithium ion batteries, the lithium ion electrodes. The company has also found a configuration which lets the battery shut itself off whenever they overheat, making them safe.

With the increasing use of clean power, Japan will be able to curb its emissions of global warming gases. The introduction of this battery could help attract more people in partaking in the usage of clean, alternative power.