Kyocera, other Japan firms boosting solar cell output
3 March 2007
Source: Forbes report
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/03/02/afx3481299.html
TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) – Kyocera Corp plans to invest 40-50 bln yen to double output capacity for solar cells by fiscal 2010 as part of a trend, the Nihon Keizai shimbun reported. Kyocera, which currently has annual production equivalent to 240mw, firm will gradually add equipment to lift output capacity to around 500mw in fiscal 2010, the paper said.
At the same time, the company will launch new products with roughly 5 pct improved power generation efficiency and will continue with efforts to produce thin cells, it said. Meanwhile, global leader Sharp Corp (other-otc: SHCAY.PK – news – people ) will this month spend some 3 bln yen to lift production capacity from 600mw to 700mw at its core component plant in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture. It also plans to double output at an assembly plant in the UK. Consequently, Sharp aims to increase solar cell sales from around 160 bln yen in fiscal 2005 to 500 bln yen in fiscal 2010, the report said.
Sanyo Electric Co (nasdaq: SANYY) also intends to spend 40 bln yen to ramp up output at plants at home and abroad, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (other-otc: MHVYF.PK – news – people ) aims to nearly triple its capacity, the Nikkei added.