Neuste Beiträge aus: Kyocera - bisher einer der größten Modulhersteller

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Der japanische Technologiekonzern Kyocera, einer der führenden Photovoltaik Hersteller, gibt bekannt, dass bis März 2011 an sechs weiteren Produktionsstätten Solaranlagen mit firmeneigenen Solarmodulen in Betrieb genommen werden sollen. Die Anlagen sind Teil von Kyoceras Umweltschutzmaßnahmen und werden zusammen 593 kW Strom erzeugen. Dadurch werden alle zehn Produktionsstätten in Japan mit Solaranlagen ausgestattet sein, und weltweit wächst die Zahl der Kyocera Standorte mit Solaranlagen auf 20 an. Zusammen mit den bestehenden Solaranlagen, die an Standorten innerhalb und außerhalb Japans in Betrieb sind, erzeugt die Kyocera Group dann 1.815 kW (1,8 MW) Strom.

Unter den sechs Standorten, die mit den neuen Anlagen ausgerüstet werden sollen, befindet sich die neue Produktionsanlage für Solarzellen in Yasu, die Produktionsanlage Kitami, in der vornehmlich Handys hergestellt werden und die Produktionsanlage Sendai, in der hauptsächlich Keramikkomponenten und Keramikmesser hergestellt werden. Hochrechnungen zufolge sollen die sechs neuen Anlagen jährlich 591.000 kWh Strom erzeugen - das entspricht dem jährlichen Stromverbrauch von 125 durchschnittlichen Haushalten.*

Aktuell hat Kyocera weltweit an 14 seiner Standorte Solaranlagen in Betrieb und leistet somit, durch die Reduktion des CO2 Ausstoßes, einen Beitrag zum Schutz der Umwelt.

In der Kyocera Nordamerikazentrale, der KYOCERA International Inc. in San Diego, wurde 2005 der Solar Grove auf dem Firmenparkplatz in Betrieb genommen. Das einzigartige Design der Anlage erinnert an einen Hain aus Solarbäumen. In der Sonne Kaliforniens produziert diese Anlage Strom und spendet gleichzeitig Schatten für Autos.

* Als Kalkulationsbasis diente die Annahme, dass der jährliche Stromverbrauch 4.734 kWh beträgt.

Originaltext: Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH Digitale Pressemappe: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/63017 Pressemappe via RSS : http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_63017.rss2

21.07.2010 14:13
KYOCERA to Double Shipments of Ceramic Kitchen Knives

Company Targets Two Million Units Per Year by March 31, 2014

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it will boost annual shipments of its popular ceramic knives to two million units per year by FY2014* -- an increase of 120% over last fiscal year's volume of 900,000. The company will also strengthen its main manufacturing facilities for ceramic knives in order to meet expected growth in global demand.
* FY2014: Fiscal year ending March 31, 2014

Kyocera knives and kitchen utensils are made using the company's fine ceramics, resulting in lightweight blades that stay sharp for long periods, never corrode, and can even be bleached for thorough cleaning. These unique characteristics have contributed to the growing popularity of Kyocera's ceramic knives since their introduction in 1984.

After more than a quarter of a century of sales, total shipments of Kyocera's ceramic knives exceeded 6 million units in December of 2009, and are currently sold in more than 35 nations.

In recent years, demand for the company's ceramic knives has rapidly grown. The trend of consumers demanding higher quality kitchen products, an increase in kitchen products being purchased as gifts, and the 2006 introduction of Kyocera's Color Series have all contributed to the increased popularity and sales.

Kyocera's retail distribution network has also steadily increased to about 8,000 stores worldwide. U.S retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and Amazon.com offer Kyocera's knives, along with Harrods in the U.K., El Corte Inglés in Spain and Galeries Lafayette in France.

Presently, the company's knives remain highly popular in Japan, where about 70% of the company's total are sold. However, Kyocera will aim to aggressively expand sales in the important U.S. and European markets and plans to increase sales outside of Japan to 50% of its total in the next few years.

Kyocera will continue to develop products that meet its customers' various needs so more people worldwide can enjoy the ease-of-use, convenience and quality of ceramic knives.

Kyocera Supplies Modules For Czech PV Project
Published: 28. Mai 2010

Neuss, Germany -- Kyocera has supplied modules for a PV plant in the Czech Republic. Covering an area of more than 28,000 square-meters, the plant has a installed capacity of 1.2 megawatts (MW).
Kyocera said durable and efficient high-yield solar modules are of great importance, especially for large-scale plants.

The plant was installed in the South Moravian farming village of Moravský Žižkov. The system includes 8,960 Kyocera KD135GH-2PU solar modules. A high annual electricity yield of 1.3 million kilowatt hours is expected from the plant, which was completed in December 2009 and only recently commissioned. Kyocera said durable and efficient high-yield solar modules are of great importance, especially for large-scale plants.

Nelumbo, the company that developed the project is one of the most experienced companies in photovoltaics and solar thermal power within the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Every year it constructs 200 to 300 solar plants in the Czech Republic and offers its customers complete network support, from installation through to maintenance.

15. März 2010
Kyocera Supplies Solar Panels to Georgia's Largest Commercial Solar Project
USFloors commissions state's largest commercial sector solar array
Dalton, Ga—March 1, 2010

Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced it is the sole supplier of photovoltaic modules for the largest commercial solar array in the state of Georgia. USFloors, a nationwide leader in sustainable flooring, recently installed the 144.48 kW solar array at its facilities located in Dalton, GA.
"This solar project demonstrates Kyocera's commitment to sustainable energy," stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. "Kyocera strives to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals—we are pleased to work with companies such as USFloors and United Renewable Energy LLC who share Kyocera's commitment to the environment."

The rooftop installation, comprised of 672 Kyocera KD 215GX PLU solar modules, spans approximately 14,500 square feet and is expected to produce 171,216 kwh/year—enough electricity to power 14 homes annually. In addition, the system will offset more than 100 percent of the building's current electrical needs, allowing for a reduction in operating costs that will preserve company jobs.

“This solar project demonstrates Kyocera’s commitment to sustainable energy,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “Kyocera strives to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals—we are pleased to work with companies such as USFloors and United Renewable Energy LLC who share Kyocera’s commitment to the environment.”

As a top provider of sustainable flooring, USFloors' commitment is to provide its customers with high quality, environmentally sound products—a practice that motivated the company to produce solar electric power on site. Various utility and government incentives such as accelerated depreciation and state and federal tax credits, made the completion of the project possible, and contributed to the site’s LEED certification process and ongoing sustainability mission.

Georgia-based United Renewable energy, LLC (URE), a leading integrator of photovoltaic solar electric power systems, and one of the fastest growing renewable energy companies in the country, designed and installed the solar array. According to URE President William Silva, “We chose Kyocera's solar panels for two simple reasons, quality and reliability. Their real world, global track record and zero tolerance made Kyocera the clear choice."

Ausbau der Photovoltaik-Produktion: Kyocera will jährliche Solarzellen-Fertigung bis März 2013 auf ein Gigawatt erhöhen
Solarmodule von Kyocera.

Solarmodule von Kyocera.


Der japanische Technologiekonzern Kyocera (Kyoto), einer der weltweit führenden Photovoltaik-Hersteller, erhöht seine Zielvorgabe für die jährliche Produktion von Solarzellen, um dem wachsenden Bedarf an Solarenergieprodukten auf dem Weltmarkt gerecht zu werden. Die neuen Zahlen sehen bis März 2013 eine schrittweise Erhöhung auf ein Gigawatt (GW) pro Jahr vor. Im laufenden Geschäftsjahr 2010 betrage das Produktionsvolumen 400 MW, berichtet das Unternehmen in einer Pressemitteilung. Als Antwort auf den wachsenden Bedarf habe Kyocera lokale Produktionsstätten und Vertriebsnetze für Solarmodule in Nordamerika, Europa, Japan und China eingerichtet - den vier größten Solarenergiemärkten der Welt. "Kyocera wird, durch die Produktion qualitativ hochwertiger und äußerst zuverlässiger Solarmodule zur Erzeugung sauberer Energie, weiterhin dazu beitragen, zunehmende Umweltprobleme zu lösen", erklärte Tetsuo Kuba, Präsident des Kyocera-Konzerns.


Neues Werk zur Herstellung von Solarzellen in Japan

Mit der Fertigstellung des neuen Solarzellen-Werkes in der Stadt Yasu (Präfektur Shiga) steigert Kyocera seine jährliche Produktion von Solarzellen. Die neue Anlage ist die größte Produktionsstätte von Kyocera in Japan und wird zusätzlich zu dem vorhandenen Werk in Yohkaichi betrieben werden. Das neue Werk in Yasu nutze eine verbesserte Fertigungsstraße mit einer um 20 Prozent erhöhten Produktivität im Vergleich zu dem Werk in Yohkaichi. Das Hauptprodukt des Werks in Yasu ist die neue, verbesserte Solarzelle des Unternehmens mit einem durchschnittlichen Wirkungsgrad von 16,9 Prozent. Diese Zellen werden in dem 215 Watt-Solarmodul verwendet, das eine der höchsten Leistungen in der Solarindustrie liefert und weltweit auf den Markt gebracht wird.

"Zusammen mit dem bereits vorhandenen Werk in Yohkaichi wird das neue Werk in Yasu Kyoceras Hauptproduktionsstandort für Solarzellen sein", erklärt Tetsuo Kuba, Präsident des Kyocera-Konzerns. "Neben der Serienproduktion von Zellen mit Kyoceras höchstem Wirkungsgrad, wird in dem neuen Werk auch die Forschung und Entwicklung für Zukunftstechnologien im Bereich der Solarzellen angesiedelt sein."

Kyocera claims new multicrystalline solar PV module conversion efficiency record, hits 17.3%
12 February 2010 | By Tom Cheyney | News > PV Modules

*Two months after ECN and REC claimed the highest conversion efficiency for multicrystalline-silicon solar modules, Kyocera has topped their mark and set a new world record. The Japanese company says it has achieved 16.6% total-area module efficiency, with an aperture-area efficiency of 17.3%, besting the Europeans' previous aperture-area record of 17%.

Kyocera says it has improved its proprietary back-contact technology and module design to enhance the performance of each cell, thus increasing overall energy conversion efficiency. The scheme moves electrode wiring that is typically arranged on the surface of the cell to the back side, thus optimizing the light-capturing surface area to maximize energy conversion efficiency.

The record-breaking back-contact modules, which have a total area of 13,379 cm2, use 54 150 × 155mm multicrystalline cells in the development-stage configuration. Kyocera says it has achieved conversion efficiencies of 18.5% for individual cells in the development stage.

The results are based on research conducted in December by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan, according to the company.

Order Focus: Kyocera to supply 40MW of PV modules for projects in Spain
18 December 2009 | By Síle Mc Mahon | News > PV Modules


With the second large module order announcement in a week, Kyocera has announced that it will ship approximately 190,000 solar modules for two large-scale solar plants in Dulcinea in Cuenca and Don Quijote in Ciudad Real – both in the Castile-La Mancha region of central Spain. The plants cover an area of 338,581m2 and have an output of approximately 39.3MW.

Avanzalia, the company overseeing the plants’ construction, has been involved in promoting and constructing large-scale solar power plants in Spain.

29.07.2009 10:03
KYOCERA Establishes New Sales Company in India

Strengthening Components Sales in the High-Growth Indian Market

Kyocera Corporation (President: Tetsuo Kuba)(NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced the establishment of KYOCERA Asia Pacific India Private Limited (hereafter, ”KAPI”) — a new Kyocera Group sales company that has been positioned to cohesively strengthen components sales in the continually expanding Indian market.

KAPI, which is to start operations on August 1, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Asia Pacific Private Limited (President: Yuji Goto; headquarters: Singapore; hereafter, ”KAP”) — a Kyocera subsidiary dedicated to sales in the Asia-Pacific region.

In recent years, even amongst the BRIC countries, India has been accomplishing strikingly high economic growth — with a GDP growth rate second only to China. With development of the IT industry, and following the rapid expansion of the automotive and digital consumer electronics industries, many Japanese and foreign-based manufacturers have been setting up and relocating sales offices and manufacturing sites in the country.

Up until now, Kyocera sales activities to India had mainly been conducted from the KAP headquarters in Singapore. In 2005, KAP set up a representative office in Bangalore, India to help support the cutting tool sales of local distributors, and since then has also started actively marketing Kyocera’s line of products including electronic, semiconductor, fine ceramic and thin film components as well as solar panels. Recognizing the importance of the rapidly growing Indian market, the establishment of KAPI will allow the Kyocera Group to better respond to customer needs and product demand.

As one of the markets in Asia on which Kyocera has placed strategic importance, KAPI will be able to aggressively develop its sales activities in India. The new company will begin with sales of cutting tools, and subsequently progress with further sales of other Kyocera components.

Company Summary



Company name:
KYOCERA Asia Pacific India Private Limited
Headquarters: Gurgaon City, India (near the capital of New Delhi)

Shareholder composition:
Wholly-owned by KYOCERA Asia Pacific Private Limited
Capital: 80 million Rupees (approx. JPY160 million; INR1 = approx. JPY2)

Start of operations:
August 1, 2009
Representative: Yuji Goto (also president of KYOCERA Asia Pacific Private Limited)
Operations:

Marketing and sales of fine ceramic components, semiconductor

components, solar panels, cutting tools, applied ceramic products,

electronic components, thin film products, etc.

20.07.2009 13:01
KYOCERA Solar Modules Exceed Performance Expectations at PPL Renewable Energy Park

500kW System Performs at 105% of Expected Output Since Opening in 2006

If you’re considering a solar electric generating system but need assurance about the reliability of solar power, take note.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced that its 500-kilowatt (kW) solar array at the PPL Renewable Energy Park in Camden County, N.J., has exceeded performance expectations consistently since it began operating in September 2006. The system is part of a major initiative to adopt renewable energy at the county’s Pennsauken Landfill.

”The 2,500 Kyocera KC200 modules are performing at 105 percent of expected output after nearly three years of operation,” said Steve Gabrielle, PPL Renewable Energy’s director. ”Each year, this system is producing about 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) more than planned.”

In total, this installation produces 630,000 kWh annually, enough to power 72 typical area homes while offsetting 198 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 36 cars off the road and saving 900 barrels of oil each year.

”We’re very pleased that our collaboration with Kyocera resulted in an installation that is over-performing,” Gabrielle continued. ”That’s great news for PPL, its energy customers, and the state of New Jersey. This partnership is an example of PPL’s commitment to renewable energy options in cultivating the next generation of power.”

PPL Renewable Energy is one of the largest owner-operators of renewable energy projects on the U.S. East Coast. The 5.4 megawatt PPL Renewable Energy Park is composed of three solar power installations and one landfill gas generating plant built by PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation. Two of the four plants feature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera solar modules.

”Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation and providing quality solar energy solutions to the world,” said Chris Brown, sales manager for Kyocera Solar, Inc. ”For this reason, we are pleased to have Kyocera’s solar modules utilized as one of the key technologies demonstrated in the PPL Renewable Energy Park.”

Kyocera eyes solar panel growth in Japan
Fri Jun 19, 2009 6:45am EDT

By Mayumi Negishi and Reiji Murai

KYOTO (Reuters) - Kyocera Corp, fighting to hold its own in a competitive solar panel market, is banking on a revival of Japanese subsidies to bolster sales, and said orders for its panels in Japan have jumped this year.

Kyocera, which has been losing market share amid price competition with rivals Q-Cells, First Solar and Suntech, has also seen a slight recovery in orders for its solar panels in Europe, its president said on Friday.

Japan is also home to Sharp Corp and Sanyo Electric Co, which along with Kyocera are pioneers in solar panels, but the market remains small amid on-again, off-again state support for the technology.

"There's a strong tailwind in Japan," Kyocera President Tetsuo Kuba told Reuters in an interview. "This year (the strength of orders) is completely different."

In January, the Japanese government introduced a subsidy of 70,000 yen ($723) per kilowatt of solar panel equipment and aims next year to guarantee prices for surplus electricity produced by home solar panels.

The Kyoto-based firm logged an annual 50 percent rise in the number of orders in Japan for household solar panels in January to April.

Still, that is not nearly enough to make up for a sharp fall in orders from Europe's solar power generation plants, after Germany and Spain cut their solar subsidies.

Orders in Europe are now recovering a little for Kyocera, which is the world's sixth-biggest solar cell maker according to market researcher PV News, mostly from households and companies, Kuba said.

Kyocera, for which electronics components account for half its revenues, aims to expand market share in Japan by selling its panels at retailer Aeon Co Ltd's shopping centers and shore up its brand by supplying panels for Toyota Motor Corp's Prius hybrid car.

Kyocera has no concrete plans now to supply solar panels to other automakers but would not rule out such a move in the future, Kuba said.

The company, which has been cautious about expanding panel production, expects its fine ceramic applications segment, which includes solar cells, to post a 35 percent fall in profit on a 9 percent drop in sales in the year to next March.

It will likely spend the bulk of its planned 43 billion yen in capital expenditures for the year to March on its solar panels, he said.

SOLAR BRIGHT, ALL ELSE BLEAK

Sales of Kyocera's mainstay electronic components are rising in April-June and are expected to keep increasing slightly as mobile phone and flat TV makers restock on ceramic capacitors and other parts that control the flow of electricity in gadgets.

But Kyocera, which also makes cellphones, said it was too early to call a recovery yet, with Kuba saying that quarterly rises in orders could hit a lull in the autumn.

So far, there are no signs that demand for industrial electronics used to make semiconductors and cars will return to pick up the slack, he said.

Kyocera forecasts operating profit to be flat, at 44 billion yen in the year to March on an 8 percent decline in sales. But 19 analysts on average expect the firm to earn 24.5 billion yen, half the target, according to Thomson Reuters.

Shares of Kyocera closed unchanged at 7,220 yen, while Sharp fell 1.1 percent and Sanyo lost 4.1 percent.

08.06.2009 12:04
KYOCERA Delivers High-Temperature Ceramic Micro-Turbine Rotors to Nationally Recognized Research Laboratory

Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation today announced that it has delivered high-temperature silicon nitride SN-282 rotors to a nationally recognized gas turbine engine (GTE) research and development laboratory, which is developing a three-kilowatt GTE-powered electrical generator.

Kyocera’s SN-282 ceramic material is the rotor material of choice for the manufacturer’s miniature gas turbine engine due to its exceptional creep resistance at high temperatures and Kyocera's proven capability to mass-produce ceramic components in complex net shapes for cost-sensitive markets.

SN-282’s high-temperature properties allow for a progressive engine design that does not require rotor blades to have embedded cooling-air channels — a structural element that traditionally presents manufacturing complications and dramatically increases production costs.

Additionally, the higher operating temperature permitted by ceramic creates significant gains in thermal efficiency. As a result, Kyocera expects the ceramic-equipped GTE to provide a competitive alternative to the internal-combustion engine. The ceramic-equipped GTE will compete with, or beat, small gasoline engines on fuel economy — while providing the superior longevity and reliability of a gas turbine.

Demand for portable three-kilowatt generators for use in land and air applications is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years.

Kyocera has been providing high quality monolithic ceramic components to the gas turbine engine industry for more than 20 years, with facilities in the United States and Japan. For product information or a quotation, please contact:

Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation
Steven Foster, Aerospace Products
5713 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Tel: 360-607-7003
email: steven.foster@kyocera.com

05.05.2009 17:20
Intersolar 2009: Kyocera präsentiert zwei neue Photovoltaikmodule
Kyoto/Neuss (ots) - Der japanische Technologiekonzern Kyocera (News) ist einer der führenden Hersteller im Bereich der Photovoltaik. Als Produktneuheiten stellt das Unternehmen auf der Intersolar 2009 in München die polykristallinen Photovoltaikmodule KD185GH-2PU und das rahmenlose FD135GH-2P vor.

Dank intensiver Forschungsarbeit und stetiger Weiterentwicklung der Produktionsverfahren erreichen die eingebetteten Kyocera Hochleistungs-Solarzellen der neuen Module KD185GH-2PU und FD135GH-2P mit dem Grundmaß 156 mm x 156 mm über 16 % Wirkungsgrad und sind Garantie für einen extrem hohen Jahresenergieertrag der Photovoltaikanlage.

Das KD185GH-2PU besteht aus 48 Solarzellen und liefert unter Standard-Testbedingungen eine Nennleistung von 185 Watt (W). Der besonders stabile Rahmen wurde vom TÜV gemäß den erweiterten Testanforderungen der IEC 61215 ed. 2 für 5.400 N/qm getestet und hat der starken mechanischen Belastung problemlos standgehalten. Das bedeutet eine erhöhte Sicherheit für die gesamte Photovoltaikanlage bei extremen Witterungsbedingungen, wie zum Beispiel bei hoher Schneelast. Das KD185GH-2PU misst 1338 mm in der Höhe und 990 mm in der Breite. Das Modul wird voraussichtlich im 3. Quartal 2009 verfügbar sein.

Das rahmenlose FD135GH-2P ersetzt voraussichtlich ab Oktober 2009 das Vorgängermodul FC130GX-2P. Es besteht aus 36 Solarzellen und liefert unter Standard-Testbedingungen eine Nennleistung von 135 W. Mithilfe von entsprechenden Montagesystemen können die Module ideal in das Gebäudedach integriert werden. Das Ergebnis ist eine ästhetische einheitliche Photovoltaikanlage. Das FD135GH-2P misst 1500 mm in der Höhe und 668 mm in der Breite.

Kyocera feiert 2009 sein 50-jähriges Bestehen. Ursprung und Kernkompetenz des Unternehmens liegen auf dem Gebiet der technischen Keramik. Darin sah Dr. Kazuo Inamori, Gründer des Unternehmens, bereits frühzeitig den Schlüsselwerkstoff der Zukunft. Heute gehört Kyocera zu den weltweit wichtigsten Anbietern feinkeramischer Komponenten für die Industrie.

Originaltext: Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH Digitale Pressemappe: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/63017 Pressemappe via RSS : http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_63017.rss2

Pressekontakt: Daniela Faust, Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH, Tel.: +49 2131 1637 188, E-Mail: daniela.faust@kyocera.de

TOKYO GAS, KYOCERA TEAM ON GAS/SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM FOR HOMES
Tuesday 03/10/2009 12:55 AM ET - Asia Pulse
Related Companies
Symbol Last %Chg
KYO 54.19 0.00%
TKGSF 4.20 0.00%
As of 12:00 AM ET 1/15/09

Tokyo Gas Co. (TSE:9531) is joining forces with Kyocera Corp. (TSE:6971) to sell residential energy systems based primarily on gas and solar power.

For Tokyo Gas, this is a strategic move designed to counter the push by power companies to promote all-electric homes by offering small, distributed power solutions that are also less harmful to the environment.

Tokyo Gas has developed a "double generation" system that combines a solar power generator procured from Kyocera with its own Ecowill cogeneration system, which operates off an engine that runs on city gas.

During peak energy demand in the morning and evening, the Ecowill system operates at full capacity to run heaters and warm water, reducing household consumption of electricity purchased from the utility. When there is sunlight to drive the solar power system, surplus electricity can be sold to the grid.

Using the Ecowill system alone, a family can reduce its electrical bill by some 40 per cent and lower its carbon emissions by 14 per cent. In combination with the solar power system, those respective figures become roughly 70 per cent and 60 per cent, helping the environment and slicing some 100,000 yen a year off the electrical bill, according to Tokyo Gas.

Tokyo Gas plans to begin marketing these hybrid systems in 2009 through a network of around 180 gas-equipment sales bases nationwide.

The firm is also developing a system that combines solar generators with gas-powered fuel cells. There is no real market for such systems at present because of the high cost of fuel cells, but Tokyo Gas intends to dive into this business once prices come down.

Kyocera Solar opens new PV module plant in Tijuana, Mexico
08 March 2009 | By Tom Cheyney | News > PV Modules

Mexican President Felipe Calderón was among government and company officials on hand Feb. 5 to inaugurate Kyocera Solar's second PV module manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico. The two-story production facility, which connects to the pre-existing Kyocera panel fab, will have a maximum annual output of 750,000 crystalline-silicon modules, equivalent to a nameplate capacity of 150 MW.

President Calderón also announced his intention to implement a large-scale program of renewable energy in Mexico, which will include Mexican-made solar modules such as those produced at Kyocera.

"Kyocera gives us a clear case of how we can transform critical moments into new opportunities using long-term vision," he said through an interpreter. "I know that Kyocera will sell these panels quickly as warm bread, even before the U.S. economy recovers, especially with a society that is clearly looking to renewable energy, such as California."

Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, compared the current economic recession with the downturn of 1973, which had been caused by the world's first energy crisis and global dependence on fossil fuels. That recession ended with at least one favorable development.

"It was in 1973 that Kyocera’s founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, began researching solar energy," he said. "Today, solar energy products represent Kyocera's fastest-growing business worldwide."

The new facility is part of the company's multiyear plan to expand its global manufacturing capacity for solar modules, which are made in Mexico, the Czech Republic, Japan, and China, where construction on the new plant in Tianjin City is scheduled to begin in April, with the facility coming online in 2010. By the end of March 2012, the company's four regional sites will have 650 MW in combined annual capacity.

Kyocera has said it expects to invest an estimated 30 billion yen (about $300 million) in plant and equipment during the course of the expansion plan, both at these module manufacturing sites and at its solar-cell production center in Yohkaichi, Japan.

Invest: 18-24c/W


JAPAN'S KYOCERA TO QUADRUPLE SOLAR MODULE CAPACITY AT CHINA UNIT
Sunday 02/22/2009 9:44 PM ET - Asia Pulse
Related Companies
Symbol Last %Chg
KYO 61.34 0.00%
As of 12:00 AM ET 2/20/09

Kyocera Corp. (TSE:6971) announced Friday that it will quadruple production capacity for solar modules at subsidiary Kyocera (Tianjin) Solar Energy Co. to 240,000kw a year in 2011.

Modules are made by combining solar cells -- their key component -- and other parts. These modules are connected together to form solar power generation systems.

The firm is seen spending an estimated 3-4 billion yen (US$32.19-42.93 million) to put up a new three-story building with 28,800 sq. meters of floor space near its existing plant at the Tianjin unit. Construction will begin in April, with the plant slated to go into operation in the spring of 2010.

In addition to new equipment, machinery from three existing buildings will be moved to the facility by September 2010.

Kyocera, which produces solar cells at a Shiga Prefecture plant, plans to boost total output to 650,000kw in fiscal 2011 by building a new factory in that prefecture. The decision to lift solar module production in China is in line with this increase in cell output.

The firm assembles modules in Mie Prefecture as well as at sites in China, Mexico and the Czech Republic.

Kyocera reveals construction of new solar module manufacturing plant in Tianjin City, China
2/20/2009 12:56 AM ET

RELATED NEWS

Kyocera 9-month Profit Down 32%; cuts FY09 Outlook - Update

Kyocera 9-month profit declines; cuts FY09 Forecast - Quick Facts
(RTTNews) - Kyocera Corp. (KYO: News ) announced the construction of new solar module manufacturing plant in Tianjin City, China to expand production capacity at KYOCERA (Tianjin) Solar Energy Co., Ltd.

The company noted that the groundbreaking ceremony for the scheduled construction of the new plant was held on the site adjacent to the current facility on February 18.

The construction of the new manufacturing plant would commence in April, with completion scheduled for spring of 2010. Upon completion of the new plant, all Kyocera Tianjin Solar manufacturing operations will subsequently be transferred to the new facility.
Construction of the new plant is timed to align the production capacity of solar modules with the increase in production of solar cells which Kyocera is set to expand to 650MW by March, 2012.

KYO closed Thursday's regular trade at $63.19, up $1.71 or 2.78%, on a volume of 19 thousand shares.

Kyocera 9-month Profit Down 32%; cuts FY09 Outlook - Update
1/29/2009 8:06 AM ET


Kyocera first-half Profit down; cuts FY09 outlook - Quick Facts
(RTTNews) - Kyocera Corp. (KYO: News ), a distributor of fine ceramic and semiconductor parts, Thursday reported a decline in nine-month profit, hurt by demand slowdown and the appreciation of yen. Further, the company lowered its outlook for fiscal 2009, anticipating one-off costs in the fourth quarter associated with valuation of certain assets.

The Kyoto, Japan-based company's net income for the nine months declined 32% to 56.77 billion yen (US$624 million) or 300.30 yen per share from 83.52 billion yen or 440.56 yen per share in the previous year.

Income from continuing operations was 82.41 billion yen, compared to 131.97 billion yen in the preceding year. Profit from operations decreased by 38.9% to 67.26 billion yen or USD739 million, mainly due to decreased demand and price erosion.

Sales for the period decreased 6.6% to 902.58 billion yen, or US$9.918 billion, from 966.22 billion yen in the year earlier.

Average exchange rates were 103 yen to the U.S. dollar and 151 yen to the Euro, marking an appreciation of 14 yen and 12 yen respectively compared to the same period last year.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2009, the company lowered its net income forecast to 20 billion yen, or 105.80 yen per share, from prior guidance of 56 billion yen, or 295.19 yen per share.

The company cited worse than expected global economy and the market for digital consumer equipment for the outlook reduction, and said it expects conditions to deteriorate even further in the fourth quarter.

Kyocera now expects fiscal 2009 net sales to be 1,120 billion yen, compared to previous outlook of 1,240 billion yen.

KYO closed Wednesday's regular trading at $70.41 on the NYQ.

27. Januar 2009
Kyocera Supplies Photovoltaic Panels for Arizona's Largest Customer-Owned Solar Energy Project
Gatorade Co. installs 500-kilowatt PV system
Scottsdale, Ariz.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced that it has provided the photovoltaic (PV) modules for Arizona's largest customer-owned solar electric generating system – a 500-kilowatt installation on the roof of a distribution facility operated by The Gatorade Company, a division of Pepsico (PEP), in the city of Tolleson.

"We are excited to have partnered with SPG Solar on this project and proud to contribute to Arizona's renewable energy initiative, a program that reflects a growing trend," stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. "Kyocera has significantly expanded its manufacturing operations and will more than triple its global production of solar modules, to 650 megawatts (MW) annually, by March 2012."

The system, installed by SPG Solar, Inc., consists of 2,448 Kyocera KD205GX-LP 205-watt PV modules on the roof of a 797,000 square-foot structure. The system is expected to produce more than 783,000 kilowatt hours per year — enough electricity to power about 51 typical Arizona households. It is additionally expected to offset about 392 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year, or 9,800 metric tons over 25 years.

The project benefited from EarthWise Solar incentives provided by Salt River Project (SRP) — the leading supplier of electricity to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area — as well as state and federal incentives for renewable energy. The colossal PV system makes PepsiCo’s Gatorade facility SRP’s largest EarthWise Solar Energy commercial customer.

“We are excited to have partnered with SPG Solar on this project and proud to contribute to Arizona’s renewable energy initiative, a program that reflects a growing trend,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “Kyocera has significantly expanded its manufacturing operations and will more than triple its global production of solar modules, to 650 megawatts (MW) annually, by March 2012.”

A second Kyocera production facility for PV modules recently opened in Tijuana, Mexico, Hill stated, to support rapidly growing demand in the Americas.

Kyocera Is Ready for a Rebound - Barron's
by: SA Editor Rachael Granby January 25, 2009 | about stocks: KYO
Rachael Granby
SA Editor




Japanese electronics makers have been slammed by both slowing exports and a strengthening yen. Barron's Neil A. Martin points to one exception - Kyocera (KYO) - that looks ready to excel when the economy recovers.

Kyocera has strong positions in solar panels, cellphones, ceramic components and office and telecomm equipment. It has nearly $9B in cash and virtually no debt. Shares are trading near $65, down from over $100 in June, and bulls think the stock will recover to around $90 considering the company's cash alone is worth $45/share.

Like other industry players, Kyocera saw growth slow and profits fall as the economic crisis unfolded worldwide. The company nearly halved its profit forecast for the year ending in March to ¥295 ($3.29) per share. Yet even the reduced outlook provides a better year-on-year performance than most electronics makers.

Kyocera is cheap, trading at just 0.88 times sales (vs. 0.91 for peers) and at 0.78 times book value (vs. 1.03 for peers). Fans say the company has a strong history of making cheap acquisitions and then integrating them successfully.

The company's solar business is the key earnings driver, making up around half of per-share profits. Bulls argue Kyocera's position as the world's fourth-largest solar-cell producer will outweigh the negative effect of a strong yen on European market sales. President Kawamura admitted that 'the weak euro is hurting profit margins in Europe,' an area that accounts for 45% of the firm's solar sales, but maintained 'demand for solar energy is generally good.'

*

Peter Boardman, of Tradewinds Global Investors, calls Kyocera 'a solid defensive play' with 'tremendous potential.' "It definitely has a number of attractive qualities... The important point is that despite the guidance revision, the company is still earning money."
*

Marc Levinson, of JPMorgan, says Kyocera is one of his favorite ways to play solar right now, considering its strong balance sheet and upside potential in different areas of business.

:::::::::::::

* On Thursday, the European Commission approved Kyocera to acquire German office automation products company TA Triumph-Adler.

"Barron´s" euphorisch zur Aktie von Kyocera: Neil A. Martin vom US-Anlegermagazin Barron´s hält die Titel von Kyocera für enorm aussichtsreich. Die Aktie habe nach Meinung vieler Analysten gute Chancen, sich mittelfristig von derzeit 65 Dollar auf 90 Dollar zu erholen (bezogen auf die in den USA gehandelten ADRs)

Bericht: http://www.up2trade.com/unterseite.php?id=4528

7.12.2008 08:14
KYOCERA Donates Solar Power Generating Systems to Schools in Nepal

Kyocera (News) Corporation (President: Makoto Kawamura)(NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) announced that it will donate solar power generating systems to middle schools in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Today, Kyocera founder and chairman emeritus, Kazuo Inamori, presented a donation certificate to His Excellency Dr. Ganesh Yonzan Tamang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Japan, at Kyocera's Tokyo office.

The donation package contains 600-watt solar power generating systems, including storage batteries, which Kyocera will install in schools in Nepal. Each system will also come with basic equipment, such as audio-visual equipment and lights. Kyocera will donate and install the systems in three schools each year over the following five years, totaling 15 schools starting from 2009.

According to the Asian Development Bank, only approximately 20% of Nepal is supplied with electricity, leaving a large majority of people without power. Moreover, it is pointed out that the majority of power supply in the country is derived from hydraulic power, causing serious power shortages in dry seasons. Even with the EU playing a central role in energy assistance programs that have been introduced, there is still need for other private level assistance as well.

Under these circumstances, the solar power generating systems to be installed by Kyocera will help provide electricity for educational facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan commented that ”Using the technological capabilities of Japan in Nepal is a greatly appreciated international contribution.”

â- Background

Starting in 2000, Kyocera began a partnership with the local company Lasersun Energy to supply small-scale solar generating systems for residential use, compatible LED light packages and other solar power options in Nepal. In 2007, the total volume of shipments of Kyocera solar power equipment to Nepal was 2.6 times higher than in the previous year.

Realizing that the energy circumstances in Nepal are still insufficient, Kyocera hopes to contribute to the situation through the expansion of its solar business. With the donation of solar power generating systems, Kyocera believes it is meaningful to provide light for the classrooms and to power televisions and radios that can be used in the education of the children who carry the future of the country on their shoulders. As a company with many years of experience in the solar business, Kyocera has great expectations for contributing to the future of the country and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

â- Supporting Rural Electrification

Kyocera entered the solar energy business in 1975 when former president Kazuo Inamori first recognized the long-term potential for solar technology to help meet global energy demand. The company's solar business has continued for 33 years based on the principle of ”Contributing to society through clean energy around the world.”

With roughly 1.6 billion people around the world without power, Kyocera has continued to brighten many people's lives in developing areas with no electricity through various forms of solar power contribution activities. Kyocera's efforts in rural electrification began with the donation of solar power generating systems to the village of Kankoi, Pakistan in 1983, and Gansu Province, China in 1985, including a series of projects involving agricultural irrigation, vaccine refrigeration, and power for medical facilities.

In the fall of this year, Kyocera started to supply solar power generating systems to 500 households in Tunisia under a Japanese government yen-loan project. This was the first use of yen-loans for the delivery and installation of solar power generating systems. Furthermore, similar to the donation in Nepal, Kyocera will also install solar power generating systems in 20 schools in Tanzania over the coming five years.

More About Kyocera's Contribution to the World Through Solar Energy: http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/solar/spirit/index.html

Kyocera To Establish New Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility In Japan
in News Departments > FYI
by SI Staff on Friday 14 November 2008
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Kyocera Corp. has announced that it plans to build a new large-scale solar cell manufacturing facility in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The new site will be Kyocera's largest manufacturing facility in Japan.

Construction of the plant is planned to start in early 2009 and be completed by the year's end, with production scheduled to begin in the spring of 2010. Combined with Kyocera's existing Yohkaichi plant, the new facility will allow the company to more than double its annual production of solar cells - from this year's projected output of 300 MW to 650 MW by March 2012.

The new plant will manufacture Kyocera's new back-contact cell, which yields 18.5% energy conversion efficiency, the company says.

Steigerung der Produktionsmenge durch neue Fertigungsanlage für Solarzellen
Kyocera, führender Hersteller im Photovoltaikbereich, plant eine Steigerung der Produktionsmenge auf jährlich 650 Megawatt bis März 2012

(pressebox) Neuss, 14.11.2008 - Kyocera Corporation startet 2009 mit dem Bau einer neuen Produktionsstätte für Solarzellen in Yasu, Japan. Das Unternehmen plant, damit die Solarproduktionsmenge bis 2012 von aktuell 300 Megawatt pro Jahr auf 650 Megawatt zu steigern. Die neue Anlage soll bereits im Frühjahr 2010 mit der Fertigung starten.

Die neue Anlage wird mit der bereits bestehenden großen Produktionsanlage in Yohkaichi, Japan, das Zentrum der Solarzellenherstellung von Kyocera bilden. Es werden dort ausschließlich Rückkontakt-Solarzellen aus multikristallinem Silizium produziert werden, die mit 18,5 Prozent Laborwert einen der weltweit höchsten Wirkungsgrade verzeichnen können.

In Europa ist Kyocera mit einer Produktionsstätte zur Modulmontage in Kadan, Tschechien, vertreten, wo Solarmodule der KD-Serie hergestellt werden, die sich durch eine hohe Effizienz bei gleichzeitig großer Witterungsbeständigkeit auszeichnen. Die Produktionsmenge seiner Montagestätten, die auch in Mexiko, China und Japan liegen, wird Kyocera ebenfalls erhöhen.

Aufgrund staatlicher Subventionierungsprogramme und einträglicher Einspeisevergütungen steigt zurzeit gerade in Europa die Nachfrage nach Photovoltaikanlagen rapide. Aus diesem Grund errichtete Kyocera insbesondere in Deutschland und Spanien in der jüngsten Vergangenheit bereits mehrere große Solaranlagen.

"Durch die vermehrte Nutzung von Sonnenenergie werden immer mehr Menschen zum Erhalt unserer Umwelt beitragen können", so Mitsuru Imanaka, Präsident von Kyocera Fineceramic GmbH. "Mit unseren über 30 Jahren Erfahrung arbeiten wir unentwegt daran, Photovoltaik-Systeme jedermann zugänglich zu machen, indem wir Produkte liefern, die den Anforderungen des Marktes entsprechen."

14.11.2008 06:28
Kyocera to build solar cell plant for Y40 bln-paper

TOKYO, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Kyocera Corp (News) will spend 40 billion yen ($412 million) to build another domestic plant for solar cells to meet growing demand, the Nikkei business daily reported on Friday.

The plant is scheduled to start operation in 2010, the Nikkei said.

($1=97.08 Yen)

(Reporting by Sachi Izumi) Keywords: KYOCERA/SOLAR

(sachi.izumi@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging: sachi.izumi.reuters.com@reuters.net; +81-3-6441-1809)

Kyocera rüstet 30-MW-Photovoltaikanlage in Spanien aus
Im Oktober 2008 wird das Solarkraftwerk in Cuenca/Spanien mit PV-Modulen von Kyocera in Betrieb genommen.


(pressebox) Neuss, 03.09.2008 - Der japanische Solarmodulhersteller Kyocera rüstet eine weitere Solar-Großanlage mit Photovoltaik-Modulen des spanischen Betreibers Avanzalia aus. Die Anlage wird zu den größten Photovoltaikanlagen weltweit gehören.

Kyocera, eines der führenden Unternehmen im Photovoltaik-Bereich, liefert erneut die Solarmodule für ein Großprojekt des spanischen Anlagenbetreibers Avanzalia. Im August 2008, wird die Anlage in der spanischen Provinz Cuenca, in der Region Kastilien-La Mancha, 18 MW Leistung bieten, und in der Lage sein, etwa 9.200 Haushalte mit Strom zu versorgen. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt werden 89.320 Kyocera-Module verbaut sein. Neben den Modultypen KD205GH-2P und KD210GH-2P aus der neuen KD-Serie wird vor allem das KC200GHT-2 verwendet. Für die Trägerkonstruktion wurden 3.300 Tonnen Stahl verarbeitet.

Die Gesamtfläche wird später 80 Hektar betragen - das entspricht einer Fläche von mehr als 100 Fußballfeldern. Damit stellt das Projekt am Ende eine der weltweit größten Photovoltaikanlagen dar und untermauert einen Trend, den auch Mitsuru Imanaka sieht, Europapräsident von Kyocera:

"In den letzten Jahren ist die Anzahl an großen Photovoltaik-Anlagen kontinuierlich gewachsen, gerade in Europa. Hier herrschen hervorragende wirtschaftliche und geographische Bedingungen. Neben der Einspeisevergütung die in vielen Ländern gewährt wird, ist vor allem in den südlichen Regionen sowohl die Lage als auch das Wetter vorteilhaft."

Auch die Provinz Cuenca, bietet optimale geographische Voraussetzungen von denen die neue Solaranlage profitiert: Bei 800 Meter über Normalnull herrschen gemäßigte Temperaturen. Zusätzlich wird das Sonnenlicht von der in dieser Region typischen hellen Landoberfläche stark reflektiert. Das Ergebnis ist eine jährlich verfügbare Einstrahlung von bis zu 1.891 kWh/m2.

Schon im September 2007 haben Kyocera und Avanzalia Solar gemeinsam eine Großanlage im spanischen Salamanca eingeweiht, mit einer maximalen Leistung von 13,8 MW.
Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie unter www.kyocerasolar.de

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29.07.2008 12:00
KYOCERA spendet Solaranlagen für Grundschulen in Tansania

Die Kyocera (News) Corporation (NYSE: KYO) wird bis zum Jahr 2012 kostenlos zwanzig Grundschulen in Tansania mit Solaranlagen zur Stromerzeugung ausstatten. Mit dem Projekt erweitert der Konzern sein jahrelanges Engagement zur Verbesserung von Bildungsinfrastrukturen und der Elektrifizierung ländlicher Gebiete in Entwicklungsländern. Im Rahmen einer offiziellen Feierstunde übergab Dr. Kazuo Inamori, Gründer des Unternehmens, das Spendenzertifikat an Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Präsident der Vereinigten Republik Tansania und Vorsitzender der Afrikanischen Union.

20 Anlagen in den nächsten fünf Jahren

Die Verbesserung seiner Bildungsinfrastruktur ist eines der dringendsten Probleme, die Tansania lösen muss. Besonders in den Grundschulen herrschen katastrophale Lernbedingungen. Bei der Bewältigung dieser Herausforderung bietet Kyocera, einer der weltweit führenden Hersteller von Solarmodulen, mit dem Spendenpaket seine Unterstützung an.

Innerhalb der nächsten fünf Jahre rüstet das Unternehmen kostenlos jährlich vier Schulen mit Solarsystemen aus. Das Spendenpaket beinhaltet solarbetriebene 600-Watt-Stromerzeugungssysteme mit den zugehörigen Speicherbatterien. Zu den Systemen erhält jede Schule auch eine Basisausstattung, die unter anderem ein Fernsehgerät und Lampen enthält. "Wir hoffen, dass sich dank der Elektrizität auch die Qualität des Unterrichts verbessern lässt, weil ganz neue Medien genutzt werden können", begründet Mitsuru Imanaka, Präsident von Kyocera Europa, das Engagement.

Small Businesses Goes Solar - Integrity Building Corp Latest to Adopt
Tuesday July 15, 9:00 am ET
New Solar Electric System Using Kyocera Photovoltaic Modules Tests Above 100 Percent of Expected Projections

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Solar, Inc. and American Solar Electric, Inc. today announced that a recently unveiled 19.2 kilowatt solar electric power system has tested at 106 percent of expected projections. The new system — independently tested by Phoenix’s utility company, Salt River Project (SRP) — is installed at the Integrity Building Corp (IBC) headquarters in Mesa, Ariz., and has allowed the small business to save thousands of dollars on electricity.

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Designed and installed by American Solar Electric, the flat-roof grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is comprised of 96 Kyocera KC200GT high output 200-watt PV modules. The solar electric system is estimated to produce 32,640 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which equates to offsetting nearly 450 tons of CO2 emissions over the life of the system.

“The fact that the solar electric system featuring Kyocera’s modules has outperformed expectations and tested above 100 percent is indicative of the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence, and providing quality solar energy products to the world,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.

Following the lead of municipalities, universities and home builders, small businesses have shown an increased interest in solar power. As small businesses make up the largest portion of Arizona’s business sector, it’s a trend that could have a significant impact on the solar industry while contributing to a reduction in the state’s carbon footprint.

“This is an exciting time for the solar industry as more companies like IBC are showing their commitment to clean energy,” said Lori Singleton, SRP manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies.

IBC is projected to alleviate most of the cost of the system with incentives in three layers: an SRP EarthWise Solar Energy rebate, federal and state tax credits, and corporate depreciation.

“IBC’s project is a great example of how a small business can realize the benefits of a PV power system,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric. “Not only will they save money on their utility bill by generating their own solar electricity, but they also significantly increased the value of their property.”

The SRP EarthWise Solar Energy program is designed to help reduce the cost of installing a new solar electric or solar water heating system for residential and business customers who invest in the clean, zero-emissions energy source. An incentive of $2.50 per watt is available for business customers that install solar electric systems larger than 10 kilowatts.

Under SRP’s Sustainable Portfolio, goals set by its publicly-elected board of directors, SRP must secure sustainable and renewable resources to meet 15 percent of its retail energy needs by 2025.

The program determines the incentive payment to the customer — $50,000 for the IBC project — based on the projected energy production of the system. This approach encourages customers and installers to invest in the most efficient products available.

“IBC is committed to practical sustainability; each person does what they can to help preserve our environment,” said Kevin Benson, president of Integrity Building Corp. “We live in a desert — using solar power is one of the easiest steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Kyocera Solar continues Tijuana PV module plant expansion, sees installed base growth
06 June 2008 | By Tom Cheyney | Chip Shots

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Q-Cells and the Silicon Border group's announcement that the solar cell manufacturer plans to invest up to $3.5 billion to build a thin-film production complex in the technology industrial park near Mexicali, Mexico, may have garnered alot of attention, but let's not forget another company which has had a significant presence in Baja California for several years: Kyocera Solar and its large module assembly operation in nearby Tijuana. The Japanese company's Kyocera Mexicana maquiladora has been fabbing modules since late 2004 and broke ground on a facility expansion June 6, 2007--almost exactly a year from the timing of the Q-Cells news last week.

After a week or so of trying to get some fresh info from the Kyocera team, Tom Dyer, the solar unit's senior VP of marketing and government affairs, replied via email earlier today. Although he couldn't answer several questions for confidentiality reasons, Dyer did provide an update on the Tijuana site and other tidbits.

SI_solar_grove_full1.jpg
San Diego's Solar Grove sports 235 KW of Kyocera modules.
(Photo courtesy: Kyocera Solar)

Construction on the second northwest Mexican module-manufacturing facility, a two-story, 223,000 square-foot-building with a 28,000 square foot extension to the original plant, "was to be completed by March 2008, with manufacturing to begin in April," he said. "The first module was produced in the first week of April and the new line has been operating since." When it's completed, the site "will be one of the largest [module manufacturing facilities in Mexico], but [we] cannot confirm with certainty that it will be the largest."

Dyer would not divulge the number of modules produced, or the factory's current output and capacity, but the company has said it plans to reach 150 MW by the end of March 2011, as part of its global strategy to reach 500 MW in module capacity at its four global manufacturing sites by that time. He reiterated that the "first line [has been] up and running [since] April," adding that the plant "is expanding to its full capacity." The new production lines are more automated than those in the original 35-MW factory, according to Dyer, with "less handling between manufacturing processes."

The number of employees at the Tijuana facilities, let alone the shift schedule, remain "confidential," as is the timeline for ramping to that goal of 150 MW capacity. Dyer said the number of employees to be added during the expansion is "undetermined. As the technology changes, the number of employees needed changes." He said the first phase of the project represents a $33-million investment, although the "cost of the future expansion is not available for release at this time."

The company manufactures four KD module models there, featuring its d.Blue multicrystalline-silicon solar cells and ranging in power from 130 to 205 watts. Conversion efficiencies of 16% are touted on the company's Website. Whether the modules coming out of Tijuana will eventually include the new 180-micron-thick cells announced by Kyocera this week has not been confirmed, although the company says the high-efficiency design will be in mass production by March 2010.

The Mexican modules are made with Kyocera's North American and Australian market demands in mind. Dyer confirmed that the units manufactured for Akeena Solar with the Andalay brand are fabricated in Tijuana. The factory has produced tens of thousands of panels that are installed in megawatts' worth of projects just across the border in San Diego as well as throughout the rest of Southern California and the US.

Dyer cited examples such as a local Qualcomm campus (417 KW), the new San Diego Children's Museum (56.4 KW), the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park (100 KW), and the Alvarado Municipal Water District (1.135 MW and growing). Kyocera modules will also populate one of the most ambitious retail solar installations in the country--Kohl's department stores' plan to equip 63 of its 80 California locations with up to 25 MW of PV power.

Kyocera's solar minions will have reason to celebrate next week, when one of the company's high-profile installations will be a back story to one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. No, it's not the NBA finals, but the UEFA Euro 2008 futbol competition, beginning this weekend in host countries Austria and Switzerland. Monday's match between perennial powers Italy and the Netherlands will kick off at the Stade de Suisse in Bern, which has nearly 8000 modules (likely made in the company's Czech Republic plant--sorry, Mexico) with an installed output of 1.346 MW, making it the largest stadium-integrated PV system on record.

The way defense-minded Italy plays, that megawattage number might equal a little more than the total number of goals that the blue-jerseyed World Cup champs score in the game.