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0
2010 2011 201220092008
5.5
7.7
10.5
13.2
16.9
20
15
10
5
Markets for solar cells are expected to expand across many
regions of the world. In addition to Europe, where strong sales
are projected to continue, subsidies for residential households
have been enhanced in Japan. Furthermore, the United States
is expected to implement full-scale “Green New Deal” poli-
cies, and the Chinese government is also expected to begin
encouraging market adoption of photovoltaic power genera-
tion systems.
Against this backdrop, demand for thin-film solar cells is
predicted to increase due to demand from mega solar power
generation plants. Thin-film solar cells are ideal for use in
such projects, since they are suited for flat-space installation.
There are many business deals under negotiation for our
thin-film solar cells with plans to use them in mega solar
power generation plants and other industrial applications.
The new plant at GREEN FRONT SAKAI is positioned to
supply the surging demand.
The new plant began producing thin-film solar cells using
large-size (1,000 × 1,400 mm) glass substrates in March
2010. Integration with the LCD panel plant helps to boost
productivity through efficiency gains because thin-film solar
cells share materials and infrastructure with LCD panels. In
the first phase, the plant has started operating with an annual
production capacity of 160MW. This will be expanded in line
with global demand growth.
In a bid to realize grid parity* at an early stage, Sharp will
also leverage manufacturing equipment based on our pro-
prietary production technology to boost conversion effi-
ciency, while dramatically lowering material costs and
improving productivity.
Solar Cell Plant
Creating Energy
A Solar Cell Plant at the Cutting-edge of the Industry
Solar cells are set to become a vital part of global power generation infrastructure as we move toward a low-carbon soci-
ety. Building on almost half a century of technical expertise, cost efficiency and operational reliability, the new solar cell
plant at GREEN FRONT SAKAI will realize world-class productivity and conversion efficiency while supplying a rapidly
expanding global market.
(Source: Sharp)
Global Solar Cell Demand Trends and Market Size
(GW)
Solar Cell Demand (Crystalline/Thin-film)
(GW)
n Residential
n Industrial
n Flat-space
installation
n Independent
sources
n Japan n Europe n The Americas n Other n Crystalline n Thin-film
0
20
15
10
5
18% 33%
FY2009 FY2012
(Forecast)
Japan Other The
Americas
FY2009 FY2012 (Forecast)
Europe World
(Forecast)
(FY)
(Forecast) (Forecast)
Approx.
3.7 times
(rel. to FY2009)
*Generation of electricity at a cost on par with the price of that supplied by power stations through the electricity grid.
(Source: Sharp)
Japan Other The
Americas
Europe World
Special Feature
SHARP CORPORATION16