F Wave
F-WAVE is a privately held Japanese manufacturer of flexible amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells and integrated solar-thermal roofing systems, serving construction, infrastructure, and consumer markets via B2B partners, direct enterprise sales, and an Amazon Japan storefront from its Kumamoto factory.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersAkasaka, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What F Wave does
F-WAVE Company Limited (F-WAVE株式会社) is a privately held Japanese solar technology manufacturer founded in January 2014 through the acquisition of Fuji Solar. The company designs and produces flexible amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells using a proprietary SCAF (Series-Connection through Apertures formed on Film) architecture with tandem cell construction, manufactured on plastic film via roll-to-roll processing at its Kumamoto Factory. Its product portfolio spans lightweight flexible solar cells, next-generation solar-thermal hybrid roofing systems, Eco House and Zero Emission House solutions, decorative PV films, and road-integrated photovoltaic panels co-developed with named industrial partners.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market. Enterprise and project-grade sales of flexible cells and integrated roofing materials go through direct inquiry-based B2B engagement and a network of four named Japanese channel partners (Corec, Nabell, Power Bank System, and Watahan Solutions), while enterprise co-development programs are run with Toyota Motor Corporation, Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings, and Japan Road Corporation. Direct-to-consumer revenue is generated through an Amazon Japan storefront carrying F-CARE face shields and SunSoaker portable solar chargers priced in the 2,090-15,180 yen range, leveraging spare capacity from the Kumamoto cleanroom. Manufacturing is concentrated at the Kumamoto Factory, which sits on approximately 54,000 square meters of land with 10,000 square meters of building area, following a 2.2-billion-yen expansion completed in 2017.
Customer focus spans four segments: building and construction (primary), industrial and commercial buildings with weight or shape constraints, infrastructure and public works, and individual consumers for portable charging and protective equipment. The company has two representative directors (Shigeharu Mano and Andrew Haynes), maintains 51-100 employees according to firmographic data, has no identified institutional investors or parent company, and operates essentially without disclosed revenue, funding rounds, or external equity backing in the available record.
F Wave firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- F Wave
- Legal name
- F-WAVE株式会社 (F-WAVE Company Limited)
- Website
- https://fwave.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- F-WAVE is a privately held Japanese manufacturer of flexible amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells and integrated solar-thermal roofing systems, serving construction, infrastructure, and consumer markets via B2B partners, direct enterprise sales, and an Amazon Japan storefront from its Kumamoto factory.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
F Wave industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Thin-film Photovoltaic Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413)
- SIC
- Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film) (EUAMAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats) (EUACAGAK)
Keywords
Where F Wave is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Akasaka
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
F Wave business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Solar Cell Manufacturing and Sales: F-WAVE manufactures and sells flexible amorphous silicon solar cells, both as cells and as integrated modules. Products range from small consumer modules to large area installations for buildings and infrastructure.
- Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems: Building integrated solar and thermal roofing systems including next-generation roofing materials that combine photovoltaic cells with thermal systems for complete building energy solutions.
- Consumer Products via Amazon: Direct-to-consumer sales of face shields (F-CARE brand) and portable solar chargers (SunSoaker) through Amazon marketplace in Japan.
- Eco House / Zero Emission House Systems: Comprehensive solar and thermal hybrid systems for eco-homes and zero-emission houses combining photovoltaic and thermal technologies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | F-CARE Full Face Guard EV-1 (5-pack) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | F-CARE Full Face Shield PF-2 (10-pack) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | F-CARE Full Face Shield PF-3 with Sponge (10-pack) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SunSoaker 10W |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SunSoaker A4-3F |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
F Wave product offering
Product offeringCore offering
F-WAVE manufactures and sells lightweight flexible amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells using its proprietary SCAF (Series-Connection through Apertures formed on Film) cell architecture, produced on a roll-to-roll line at its Kumamoto Factory. It packages these cells into customizable photovoltaic modules, solar-thermal hybrid next-generation roofing systems, decorative-film-tinted modules, and road-surface photovoltaic panels. Consumer extensions include the SunSoaker portable solar charger and F-CARE face shields, both produced using the same cleanroom manufacturing and cell-cutting capabilities.
Product overview
F-WAVE is a solar technology company specializing in amorphous silicon thin-film flexible solar cells using proprietary SCAF (Series-Connection through Apertures formed on Film) structure, manufactured at their Kumamoto Factory. The core product portfolio includes lightweight flexible solar cells that can be customized in size, voltage, and current specifications, complemented by next-generation roofing systems that integrate solar-thermal hybrid technology. The company also developed decorative films for photovoltaic modules in partnership with Toyota and NPAC, and recently co-developed road-mounted photovoltaic panels with Japan Road Co. Consumer products include SunSoaker portable solar chargers and F-CARE face shields (produced using the same clean-room manufacturing capabilities). Solutions encompass Eco House/Zero Emission House systems combining photovoltaic and thermal technologies for sustainable residential buildings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lightweight Flexible Solar Cells (軽量フレキシブル太陽電池) Amorphous silicon thin-film flexible solar cells built on the proprietary SCAF architecture with a 1-micron cell layer on plastic film and tandem construction for wide solar spectrum absorption. Customizable in size, voltage, and current; shatterproof, lightweight, and rollable. Sold B2B to construction and industrial customers through direct inquiry and a four-partner distributor network in Japan.
- Next-Generation Roofing (次世代屋根材) Solar-thermal hybrid roofing system combining photovoltaic cells with thermal capture for zero-emission homes. Lightweight, highly durable, with construction-friendly installation. Sold to Japanese construction industry, builders, and Eco House / Zero Emission House developers.
- SunSoaker Portable Solar Charger Portable solar charging sheet for mobile devices, available in 10W (¥12,650 tax incl.) and A4-3F (¥15,180 tax incl.) models. Manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory and sold direct-to-consumer through Amazon Japan for outdoor, camping, and emergency power use.
- F-CARE Face Shields (F-CARE エフケア) Personal protective face shields under the F-CARE brand, including Full Face Guard EV-1 (5-pack, ¥2,090), Full Face Shield PF-2 (10-pack, ¥2,420), and Full Face Shield PF-3 with Sponge (10-pack, ¥2,530). Manufactured at Kumamoto Factory using the cleanroom environment originally built for solar cell production and sold through Amazon Japan.
- Decorative Films for Photovoltaic Modules (太陽電池向け加飾フィルム) Color-tinting decorative films for photovoltaic modules that use automotive painting technologies to add color while maintaining power generation capability. Jointly developed with Toyota Motor Corporation and Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings; designed for architectural and design-flexible solar installations.
- Road-Mounted Photovoltaic Panels (路面型太陽光発電パネル) Photovoltaic panels designed for installation on road surfaces, enabling power generation from road and infrastructure areas. Co-developed with Japan Road Co. (Nihon Doro K.K.) to expand flexible thin-film solar technology into public infrastructure applications.
- Eco House / Zero Emission House Systems (エコハウス / ゼロエミッションハウス) Comprehensive solar and thermal hybrid system solutions for eco-homes and zero-emission residential houses, combining photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies for complete building energy integration. Targeted at Japanese residential developers and builders seeking net-zero energy housing.
Quantifiable outcome
- Approximately 10% more annual electricity generation compared to crystalline solar cells of the same output
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use F Wave
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
F Wave technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
F Wave partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered key and core.
- Japan Road Co. (日本道路株式会社)keyJoint development of road-integrated photovoltaic (RIPV) panels that can generate electricity on road surfaces. This partnership expands F-WAVE's technology into infrastructure applications, potentially enabling roads and highways to become power generation surfaces.
- Toyota Motor Corporation (トヨタ自動車株式会社)keyCollaborative development of decorative films for photovoltaic modules using automotive painting technologies. F-WAVE applies Toyota-developed films to their flexible solar cells to enable colorful, design-customizable solar panels. Testing conducted at F-WAVE's Kumamoto Factory.
- Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings Co., Ltd. (日本paint・オートモーティブコーチングス株式会社)keyJoint development partner with Toyota for decorative films that add color to photovoltaic modules using automotive painting technologies. Films maintain power generation capability while providing aesthetic customization.
- Corec Co., Ltd. (コアテック株式会社)coreBusiness partner distributing F-WAVE flexible solar cells in Japan, listed on the F-WAVE website partner page.
- Nabell Corporation (株式会社ナベル)coreBusiness partner distributing F-WAVE flexible solar cells in Japan, listed on the F-WAVE website partner page.
- Power Bank System Co., Ltd. (株式会社パワーバンクシステム)coreBusiness partner distributing F-WAVE flexible solar cells in Japan, listed on the F-WAVE website partner page.
- Watahan Solutions Co., Ltd. (綿半ソリューションズ株式会社)coreBusiness partner distributing F-WAVE flexible solar cells in Japan, listed on the F-WAVE website partner page.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
F Wave competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Oxford PV: UK-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar technology company. Comparable as a next-generation photovoltaic innovator targeting high-efficiency building and rooftop applications where conventional silicon struggles.
- Flisom AG: Swiss flexible CIGS thin-film solar module manufacturer focused on roll-to-roll production and BIPV/rooftop applications. Comparable emerging player in flexible thin-film technology targeting building integration.
Direct peers
- Kaneka Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of amorphous silicon and hybrid thin-film photovoltaic modules. Most directly comparable peer: same country, same thin-film technology family, and similar focus on lightweight and building-applicable solar products.
- Ascent Solar Technologies: U.S.-based manufacturer of flexible, lightweight CIGS thin-film solar modules used on weight-limited structures, vehicles, and portable applications. Direct competitor in flexible thin-film technology and custom-form-factor solar products.
- Wattway (Colas): Developer of road-surface integrated photovoltaic panels under Colas. Direct competitor and category peer to F-WAVE's Japan Road Co. RIPV product, validating the road-PV category.
- MiaSole (Hanwha): Producer of flexible CIGS thin-film solar cells now operating under Hanwha. Directly comparable on flexible thin-film technology targeting building, vehicle, and specialty applications where weight and form factor matter.
- Solar Frontier (Showa Denko): Japan-headquartered producer of CIS thin-film solar cells and modules with a history of supplying building-integrated and utility-scale projects. Closely comparable in technology approach (non-crystalline thin film) and primary geography.
Broad incumbents
- Tesla (Solar Roof): Tesla's Solar Roof is a tile-format building-integrated photovoltaic roofing system. Comparable as a high-profile BIPV roofing product targeting residential and design-conscious customers globally.
- Sharp Corporation: Major Japanese electronics incumbent with a long-standing solar PV business spanning rooftop, BIPV, and utility products. Broad incumbent in the same Japanese solar market that competes for BIPV and zero-emission home installations.
- Kyocera Corporation: Established Japanese solar manufacturer with extensive rooftop and BIPV offerings. Broad incumbent competing for the same construction and zero-emission home buyers in Japan with a wider portfolio.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
F Wave social profiles
Digital presenceF Wave financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
F Wave leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
F Wave funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
F Wave M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about F Wave
What does F Wave do?
F-WAVE manufactures and sells lightweight flexible amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells using its proprietary SCAF (Series-Connection through Apertures formed on Film) cell architecture, produced on a roll-to-roll line at its Kumamoto Factory. It packages these cells into customizable photovoltaic modules, solar-thermal hybrid next-generation roofing systems, decorative-film-tinted modules, and road-surface photovoltaic panels. Consumer extensions include the SunSoaker portable solar charger and F-CARE face shields, both produced using the same cleanroom manufacturing and cell-cutting capabilities.
Is F Wave a public or private company?
F Wave is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was F Wave founded?
F Wave was founded in 2014. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is F Wave based?
F Wave is headquartered in Akasaka, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does F Wave make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Solar Cell Manufacturing and Sales are the primary driver. The others are building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems, consumer Products via Amazon and eco House / Zero Emission House Systems.
Who are F Wave's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Oxford PV and Flisom AG. Direct peers are Kaneka Corporation, Ascent Solar Technologies, Wattway (Colas), MiaSole (Hanwha) and Solar Frontier (Showa Denko). Broad incumbents are Tesla (Solar Roof), Sharp Corporation and Kyocera Corporation.
Does F Wave have an API?
No public API is recorded for F Wave.
What industry is F Wave in?
F Wave's product category is Thin-film Photovoltaic Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMAHAA, Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film), with a secondary code of EUACAGAK, Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats). Its NAICS code is 334413 and its SIC code is 3674.