Sharp raises solar cell production to 600MW per year

Sharp Corp. has increased annual production capacity of solar cells at its Katsuragi Plant in Nara Prefecture to 600MW—claimed to be the world's highest—to meet burgeoning demand in Japan and abroad. The project will cost approximately Rs.137.71 crore ($29.8 million).

The company has constructed a system to enable the additional 100MW capacity for the plant, which will also be able to enter full production by November.

Despite concerns in the photovoltaic (PV) market about the shortage of processed silicon that are used as raw material for solar cells, PV systems are increasingly being used in Japan for industrial applications and are being installed in new residential construction.

Meanwhile, demand for processed silicon is expected to expand even further for industrial and commercial uses in Europe and in the United States. This is due to the introduction of subsidies and implementation of policies mandating power buy-back programs by utilities.

To more effectively use raw materials, Sharp is working to make solar cells even thinner and improve thin-film solar cells which use minimal amounts of silicon. Sharp will also establish highly efficient production systems and expand and upgrade its production lines.