Firms plug into solar power generation

TOKYO, Mar 05, 2010 (The Yomiuri Shimbun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

Major electric appliance manufacturers are pouring resources into improved solar power generator lineups and production capacity.

The companies displayed their latest products at PV Expo 2010, a three-day trade show of solar power generation products that ran through Friday in Tokyo's Ariake district.

In addition to the resumption last year of state subsidies for home owners who buy solar generators, a system has begun obliging electric power companies
to purchase surplus electricity generated by the equipment at double the previous price.

Economists predict the solar power generator market will continue to expand, mainly among private households.

Competition among manufacturers of the equipment has intensified as more foreign companies and firms in other business sectors enter the market.

At PV Expo 2010, Sharp Corp. displayed solar power cells whose solar energy conversion efficiency is 35.8 percent, the world's highest.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. exhibited a solar power panel for use in ordinary houses with an increased electric power output capacity 3 percent larger than the firm's previous model.

All the companies that participated in the trade show focused on raising conversion efficiency and highlighted their respective technologies.

Kyocera Corp. promoted its latest technologies and ideas, such as a solar panel that attaches to the roof of cars.

Some major foreign manufacturers also were represented, including the world's No. 3 solar power cell maker, China's Suntech Power, and fifth-ranked Motech Industries Inc. of Taiwan.

The foreign makers have lavished much attention on the Japanese market, where future growth is expected.

Yutaka Yamamoto, president of Suntech Power's Japanese unit, said, "We aim to grab at least a 10 percent market share in Japan by the end of this year."

Electric appliance makers are enthusiastic about the solar power generation business because they view the field as one of a small number in this country that is expected to see future growth.

The industry also is benefiting from a favorable environment in which the government is considering introducing a system to compel electric power companies to buy not only surplus electricity but all power output from solar power generation.

Rising demand for solar power generation is predicted not only in Japan but worldwide, pushed along by the rising interest in the environment.

Some economists predict the solar cell market will grow more than fivefold in the next 10 years to reach 10 trillion yen in 2020.

In expectation of rising demand, Kyocera opened a new plant in June in Yasu, Shiga Prefecture, aiming to increase output capacity 2.5-fold in fiscal 2012 from the fiscal 2009 level.

Sanyo Electric Co. also plans to raise its domestic output 1.7-fold within fiscal 2010.

Beginning in April, Toshiba Corp. will begin selling home-use solar power generators in addition to conventional models for industrial use.

Many companies from other business fields, such as Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. and Honda Motor Co., have entered the solar power business, escalating competition for technological development and increase in output.

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