Sharp 2009 Annual Report Download - page 15

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Aided by subsidy programs to support installation in each
country, the market for solar cells has grown. In order for
the solar cell industry to become established and to
develop further, it is essential to achieve “grid parity” or
generation cost on par with the price of conventional
power generation. Sharp is aiming to reach this goal
through a combination of strategic collaboration with
materials suppliers, production of high output modules
with increased conversion efficiency through technologi-
cal innovation, significant cost reduction in installation
through our unique installation method, and promotion of
local production for local consumption in the area where
the power will be consumed.
Supplying Both Crystalline and Thin-film Solar Cells for a Wide Range of Needs
* Grid parity: Generation of electricity at a cost on par with the price of that supplied by power stations through the electricity grid.
Sharp Leads the Competition
To achieve the widespread use of solar cells, it is important to realize “grid parity,”* which means
matching the price of current sources of electricity. Two advances are essential in this respect.
First is raising the conversion efficiency of solar modules. Second is lowering the cost of entire
photovoltaic power generation systems. Our many years of experience in this field give us a key
advantage. We will draw on this knowledge to become even more competitive as a manufacturer
with long-term reliability backed by sophisticated technologies.
Crystalline solar cells
n Suitable for limited spaces due to high conver-
sion efficiency
Thin-film solar cells
n Better retention of conversion efficiency at
high temperatures
n Superior designability
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Sharp has been expanding production of solar cells for 46
years. Our solar cells are used in a remarkably broad range
of locations. Some are made to withstand punishing con-
ditions at lighthouses and on satellites. Others are made
for residential, industry and other market sectors. No com-
pany in the world has made more solar cells than Sharp.
We plan to continue expanding our solar cell business,
using both crystalline and thin-film types, by leveraging
the strengths we have developed in this field over the
years. Crystalline solar cells offer the best performance
for situations where installation space is limited, such as
in some residential applications. Thin-film solar cells are
used primarily in large power generation facilities in tem-
perate regions. As a supplier of both types of solar cells,
Sharp is in an excellent position to meet the needs in each
region and help increase photovoltaic power generation
around the world.
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