As the gravity of environmental issues increases, there is greater focus on household solar power generators and fuel cells. These devices "create energy." But storing the electricity created is a big issue, too. So what is needed is a storage battery for homes. In the Panasonic booth at CEATEC, there is a prototype of the lithium-ion battery module used for the household lithium-ion battery on display.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as rechargeable batteries for PCs. This module uses a similar lithium-ion battery used for the "Let's note" PCs. Each module is comprised of 140 lithium ion batteries, which collectively provide a voltage of 25.2V and an electrical capacity of 58A. If even greater voltage and capacity is necessary, these modules can be combined to meet such demand. According to the staff at the booth, the modules will be designed so that they may be applied to homes and as back-up power source for buildings. High capacity, high stability, and a high degree of safety are required of batteries. This is the reason why the well-reputed technology used for the "Let's note" has been applied here as well.

This battery is for the "Let's note." A similar battery is used for the module unit.

Storing the electricity created and using it when the energy supply is low, such as in the morning or evenings when the energy use is at a peak or when it's raining – this is what the household storage battery allows you to do. Of course there is a move to "sell" the extra energy generated from ideas that "create energy" to power companies, but the idea of becoming "self-sufficient" in terms of energy – being able to stably supply the energy you need at home – is very interesting as well.

Having said that, if the modules are to be used in people's homes, they have to be very efficient, have a long life span and durability, and they also have to offer high degree of safety, so people can set it up in their yard. These modules are still undergoing development, but they are essential to realizing a "lifestyle with virtually zero CO2 emissions throughout the entire house." I am looking forward to what they will look like when they appear in the market.