Kyocera begins U.S. manufacturing of solar modules

Kyocera on June 3 announced that it has begun manufacturing solar modules in San Diego, Calif., to serve the U.S. market's growing demand for clean, sustainable solar electric generating systems. The U.S. module production line will support a new milestone for Kyocera's solar energy business – global production volume targeting 1,000 megawatts (one "gigawatt") of solar cells per year by March 2013.

The new solar manufacturing line has an initial production target of 30 megawatts per year. It leverages Kyocera's world-class U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce the company's most powerful and efficient solar power products. Initial production includes solar modules ranging from 210 watts to the company's latest flagship 235-watt modules.

"High-quality, high-efficiency solar modules from Kyocera's San Diego plant fulfill the 'Buy American' provisions enacted by the U.S. government, while meeting the rising demand for renewable energy that has accompanied the current administration's 'Green New Deal' measures," stated Tatsumi Maeda, vice president and general manager of Kyocera Corporation's Solar Energy Group. "Kyocera expects these products to extend the power benefits of the sun to an unprecedented number of people."

Solar energy has become Kyocera's fastest-growing business globally, with the company expanding production capacity aggressively to meet growing worldwide demand. In addition to the new production operations in San Diego, Kyocera currently has solar module production facilities in Japan, China, the Czech Republic and Mexico.

"We're pleased that our newest production operation is up and running today, according to schedule – a move that will allow us to meet increasing demand for innovative solar products," said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. "Kyocera's solar solutions go beyond residential rooftops – we specialize in transforming unused spaces, even parking lots and water-treatment facilities, into self-contained solar-electric generating systems that benefit communities and our planet."

Solar power offers a hedge against electricity cost increases and serves as an environmental countermeasure to acid rain, ozone depletion and rising carbon levels. As an illustration of Kyocera's expansion target, the planned one-gigawatt global capacity is enough to supply 3.5-kilowatt solar electric generating systems for about 285,000 homes each year.

The company invites solar inquires for applications ranging from home power to utility-scale generation.

Kyocera established its U.S. operations in 1969, and started a trend in 1971 as the first Japan-based corporation with manufacturing operations in the State of California. Kyocera Group companies currently employ approximately 4,000 people in the United States.

About Kyocera
Kyocera Solar Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. and regional sales centers in the U.S., Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.