Sharp 2006 Annual Report Download - page 12

11
ciency. Sharp intends to continue enhancing production
capacity for large-size LCD panels while working to strength-
en cost competitiveness. At the same time, we will focus on
developing fresh technologies that improve the performance
of LCD panels and that contribute to the advancement of the
LCD TV market.
Sharp possesses a number of one-of-a-kind technolo-
gies for small- and medium-size LCDs, which are used in
mobile phones, game consoles and other electronic equip-
ment. Among these, our System LCDs have received high
acclaim from set makers for their high-added-value in revolu-
tionizing mobile equipment. We increased production capac-
ity for System LCDs in April 2006 to meet ongoing strong
growth in demand. Going forward we foresee the demand
for small- and medium-size LCD panels expanding further in
various types of applications, particularly for use inside auto-
mobiles and in mobile media players. We will continue to
promote business expansion through the development of
panels that meet a wide variety of needs in new fields.
Photovoltaic power generation systems
Demand for photovoltaic power generation systems is
growing around the world, reflecting increased awareness of
global environmental conservation and the impact of high
crude oil prices, factors which have driven greater interest in
renewable energy forms. In this light, Sharp has been boost-
ing production capacity stepwise for solar cells, which has
made us the world’s leading producer* in terms of produc-
tion volume for six consecutive years since 2000. In fiscal
2006, we are considering a further expansion in production
capacity.
*
According to PV News, a photovoltaic newsletter in the U.S.A. (March 2006 issue)
We are forecasting an increase in demand for thin-film
solar cells as well as single-crystal and polycrystalline solar
cells. The thin-film solar cells have an outstanding feature of
using 1/100th the amount of silicon compared to crystalline
types. In addition, they can be used as transparent “see-
through” modules, therefore the demand for the modules as
building materials is expected to grow. We intend to aggres-
sively expand business in this area in the coming years.
Medium-term challenges and company
responses
Sharp views the following as key challenges to overcome
in order to realize stable growth over the medium-term.
Secure competitive advantage and boost brand value in
the global market
To secure competitive advantage in the global market,
Sharp seeks to further strengthen the development of original
cutting-edge devices that incorporate our unique technology
and to accelerate the creation of one-of-a-kind products befit-
ting the new era. We are committed to achieving stable growth
into the future by further enhancing our brand value globally.
(For further details of specific initiatives to raise brand value,
please refer to the Special Feature on pages 13-18.)
The Kameyama Plant (Mie Prefecture)
No. 1 Plant
No. 2 Plant