Forget about hybrids. Forget about fuel cells. Honda is harnessing the most plentiful power source in the industry, establishing Honda Soltec as a subsidiary completely dedicated to the development of the solar cell business. This “full-scale entry” will work on creating and selling “the next-generation thin film solar cell independently developed by Honda.”

The innovative thin film will be composed of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS). The manufacturing process is said to take 50% less energy than the production of conventional crystal silicon solar cells. In this way, the result is more environmentally friendly both in terms of use and during production.

Now if they can get these to produce enough power to propel a full-size vehicle…