Kyocera Announces Upward Revision of Annual Solar Cell Production to 1GW by March 2013

The Japanese technology corporation Kyocera, one of the leading manufacturers in the photovoltaic field, will increase its annual solar cell production targets to meet the growing demand for solar energy products in the global market. New targets aim for an incremental increase to 1 gigawatt (GW) per year by March 2013 — 2.5 times more than the current fiscal year 2010 production volume of 400MW.

In response to growing demand Kyocera has established local production and supply networks for solar modules in North America, Europe, Japan and China — the world's four largest solar energy markets. In addition to the solar cell production increase, the company will continue to enhance its module assembly capability.

"Kyocera will continue to contribute to solving increasing environmental issues by providing solar panels with high quality and high reliability for the creation of clean energy,” stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation.

New Solar Cell Manufacturing Plant in Japan

As part of the new plan to increase annual cell production, Kyocera has recently completed construction of a new cell manufacturing plant in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, which will operate in addition to the company’s existing Shiga Yohkaichi Plant. The new facility becomes the largest Kyocera Group manufacturing plant in Japan.

The new Yasu Plant employs an enhanced manufacturing line, which increases productivity by 20% compared with the Yohkaichi Plant. The main product to be manufactured at the Yasu Plant is the company’s newly enhanced cell with an average energy conversion efficiency of 16.9%. These cells are used in the company’s 215-watt solar module — one of solar energy industry’s top power output levels — which is slated for sales to the global market.

"Together with the existing plant at Yohkaichi, the new Yasu Plant will be Kyocera’s core production site for solar cells,” stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "In addition to mass-producing cells with Kyocera’s highest conversion efficiency, the new plant will also undertake R&D activities for next-generation cell technology.”

High-performance solar cells

In 1982, Kyocera was the first company in the world to start mass production of multicrystalline silicon solar cells. In the 28 years since, the company has cultivated its material and production technologies to manufacture high-performance solar cells. With the new plant and existing Yohkaichi Plant, Kyocera plans to increase production volume, targeting 1GW of annual production by March 2013.

Furthermore, the company will continue to increase its solar module assembly capacity to meet the demands of the market, aiming to further expand its solar energy business.

Production Plan

*Fiscal years run from the preceding April 1 to March 31 of the indicated year.

Facility Overview

About Kyocera

Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyocera Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of fine ceramic components for the technology industry. The strategically important divisions in the Kyocera Group, which comprises more than 200 subsidiaries (April 1st, 2009), are information and communications technologies, products to increase the quality of life, and environmentally friendly products. The technology group is also one of the largest producers of solar energy systems worldwide.

With a workforce of about 60.000 employees, Kyocera posted net sales of approximately €8.68 billion in fiscal year 2008/2009. The products marketed by the company in Europe include laser printers, digital copying systems, microelectronic components, fineceramic products and complete solar systems. The corporation has two independent companies in the Federal Republic of Germany: the Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH in Neuss and Esslingen and the Kyocera Mita Deutschland GmbH in Meerbusch.

The company also takes a lively interest in cultural affairs. The Kyoto Prize, one of the most prominent international awards, is presented each year by the Inamori Foundation, once established by Kyocera founder Dr. Kazuo Inamori, to individuals and groups worldwide for their outstanding human achievement (converted at present €370,000 per prize category).