Sharp 2011 Annual Report Download - page 17

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10 1209 1311
(Source: Sharp)
Japan Europe The Americas China Other
Market for solar cells
Review of Energy Policies
Demand for solar cells has grown steadily worldwide
thanks to government incentive packages to assist with
installation of solar power generation systems, and feed-
in tariffs. The Great East Japan Earthquake has prompted
countries all over the world to review their energy poli-
cies. Going forward, we can expect to see accelerated
diversification and decentralization of energy supplies,
including solar cells and other renewable energy forms.
Becoming a Total Solutions Company
In Japan, Sharp will promote the proliferation of resi-
dential solar power generation systems by strengthening
its alliances with residential construction materials man-
ufacturers and home building companies. We will work
to develop roof-integrated solar cells and other products
that combine construction materials and solar cells.
Overseas, together with Enel Green Power, we
established a solar power generation joint venture, which
will serve as an independent power producer. The joint
venture will be engaged in processes ranging from con-
struction to operation of the solar power generation
plant, mainly in the Mediterranean region.
Also, a thin-film solar cell plant established jointly by
Sharp, Enel Green Power, and STMicroelectronics in
Italy is scheduled to begin production at the end of 2011.
As a result, our efforts targeting local production for local
consumption in Europe will be further enhanced.
In November 2010, Sharp acquired Recurrent Energy,
LLC, a leading U.S. developer of distributed solar proj-
ects, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. Demand for
solar cells is projected to expand in North America, due
mainly to an increase in the number of projects for elec-
tricity companies. In this market, the know-how of a
developer, engaging in activities ranging from develop-
ment to the sale of solar power generation plants, will
be very valuable. Today, Recurrent Energy holds a 2.4
GW project pipeline of large-scale power plants, mainly
in the United States and Canada. The acquisition of
Recurrent Energy will provide Sharp with the capabili-
ties it requires to further expand its solar cell business.
In Asia, meanwhile, we have signed an agreement
to establish one of the world’s largest solar power gen-
eration plants (73MW) and to supply thin-film solar
modules and surrounding systems in Thailand. The plant
is currently under construction and is scheduled to start
operating at the end of 2011.
These examples illustrate Sharp’s efforts to expand
its solar cell business with the aim of becoming a total
solutions company in the solar cell market. Our aim is
to pursue business in a broad value chain that encom-
passes system design, installation, sale, and maintenance
of residential solar power generation systems, as well
as large-scale solar power generation plants.
15
Annual Report 2011
Interview with the President
Thin-film solar cell plant in Italy (scheduled to start production at the end of 2011)