Sharp 2010 Annual Report Download - page 27

Multijunction compound solar cells
Sharp has much experience in the development of multijunc-
tion compound solar cells, which stack layers to absorb dif-
fering wavelengths of light and generate electricity. This
allows efficient generation of electricity from solar energy,
which is made up of a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Our
triple-junction solar cell, which has layers made of three
different materials, is used to power satellites. Sharp’s com-
pound solar cells achieving a conversion efficiency of more
than 30% propelled a Tokai University solar car to victory in
October 2009 in Australia at one of the world’s largest solar
car races. This accomplishment demonstrates the outstand-
ing performance of our solar cells. Going one more step,
Sharp has achieved the world’s highest conversion effi-
ciency* of 35.8% at the research level. We set this record by
using a composition of materials that maximizes the efficient
use of solar energy and employing our exclusive technology
for forming layers. We will continue to create more innova-
tive technologies that can further improve the performance
of solar cells.
* As of May 2010, for non-concentrator solar cells at the research level (based on a
Sharp survey).
Intellectual Property Strategy
Sharp views its intellectual property strategy as one of its key
management measures, promoting it in a coherent manner
with business and R&D strategies. In order to secure a com-
petitive edge with one-of-a-kind products and one-of-a-kind
devices for stronger business foundations, Sharp is aggres-
sively promoting patent right obtainment.
Sharp has clearly delineated the fields that are central to
each business group and has assigned engineers well versed
in patent matters to each of these core business areas to
conduct strategic patent development close to the frontline.
Sharp also obtains useful patents arising from alliance activi-
ties from collaboration with other companies or universities.
As of March 31, 2010, Sharp had approximately 17,500 pat-
ents in Japan and 22,500 overseas.
Sharp utilizes these patents to strengthen its strategic
businesses. In addition, we take actions to protect our patents,
such as by examining the products of competitors. We exer-
cise care concerning the intellectual property of other compa-
nies, however, our policy is to have other companies respect
our intellectual property in return. If we discover an infringe-
ment on any of our patents, we issue a warning. In certain
cases, more aggressive action is taken, including filing law-
suits. Sharp is also promoting obtainment of design and trade-
mark registrations based on its brand strategy and aiming to
increase the number of applications and registrations globally.
The Tokai University team with the solar car “Tokai Challenger,” the winning entry in
Global Green Challenge, one of the world’s largest solar car races
President Katayama accepting the com-
memorative plaque
Sharp’s achievements in the commercialization and industrialization of solar cells
from 1959 to 1983 have been recognized as an IEEE Milestone by the IEEE (Insti-
tute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the world’s largest academic society
for electrical, electronics, information, and telecommunications engineering. Fol-
lowing the 1963 start of mass production of solar cells, Sharp continued to con-
duct steady R&D activities to produce solar cells for demanding applications like
lighthouses and satellites, where cells need to be resistant to salt water and wind,
or the extreme temperature changes of space. These R&D activities played a
major role in the subsequent expansion of the markets for residential and indus-
trial solar cells. The IEEE milestone award paid tribute to these achievements.
* The IEEE established the IEEE Milestone program in 1983 to honor significant historic achievements in electricity,
electronics, and other related fields, that have contributed to the betterment of society.
Topic: IEEE Milestone* recognition
R&D and Intellectual Property
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