History of Kyocera Solar Power
Kyocera began research into solar power technology in 1973, when the first world oil crisis motivated us to find a future source of renewable energy. We pushed ahead with the business unwaveringly, and for more than three decades have continued to supply solar power products across the globe. The more than 1.6 gigawatts[1] of solar cells we have shipped to date are in operation all over the world, helping to offset some 1.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Even the first solar panels we developed and installed are still working today — demonstrating the long-term reliability of Kyocera’s multicrystalline silicon solar cells.
[1] 1 gigawatt (GW) = 1,000 megawatts (MW)
1975 – 1981
- 1975
- Kyocera begins research
and development of solar cells
Kyocera began developing silicon ribbon crystal solar cells using a technology to draw out a sapphire-substrate ribbon. At the time, solar cells cost approximately US$235–350 per watt. For comparison, this cost would have priced a residential solar power system at about US$1.2 million — nearly 50 times today’s price. Supplying solar cells for widespread general use was a distant dream. From the outset we were pressed to dramatically reduce costs.
The oil crisis of 1973 sparked a sharp rise in oil prices. Developed economies that relied heavily on petroleum plunged into chaos from inflation. The event raised global awareness about the limits of global energy resources.
- 1979
- Kyocera begins product shipments
Kyocera installed solar panels to power a microwave communications station 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level in Peru. This was Kyocera’s memorable first order for a large solar power generating system.
The Iranian Revolution of 1978 caused a surge in oil prices, which led to the second world oil crisis.
- 1980
- Shiga Yohkaichi Plant (Japan)
launches full-scale operation
Demand for oil declined after the second world oil crisis, leading to a drop in oil prices. Society’s attraction to solar power as a source of renewable energy faded. Yet Kyocera retained its passion for the business, and established its Yohkaichi Plant in Shiga Prefecture in order to expand. There we began full-scale research, development and manufacturing of solar cells, related products and solar thermal energy equipment, and set out as an integrated producer of solar power generating systems.
1982 – 1986
- 1982
- Kyocera begins mass production of multicrystalline silicon solar cells using the casting method
Kyocera began researching and developing multicrystalline silicon solar cells, convinced that they would surpass silicon ribbon crystal solar cells in productivity and energy conversion efficiency. We established an international business division the same year and began shipments to North America and Europe the next year, quickly expanding our business to a global scale.
- 1984
- Solar Energy Center established (Chiba, Japan)
Kyocera established its Sakura Solar Energy Center as a hub for the research, development and promotion of solar power. Conveniently located near Narita International Airport — the gateway to Japan — the center introduced Kyocera’s solar power technology and related systems to visitors from all over the world, raising awareness about the importance of solar power.
- 1986
- Kyocera pioneers mass production of multicrystalline silicon solar cells using the casting method
Having made progress in the research and development of silicon substrates, Kyocera designed original casting equipment and began manufacturing the world’s first mass-produced multicrystalline silicon solar cells using the casting method. This led to substantial reductions in the price of solar panels, to about US$12 per watt. Today, this casting method remains the most common process for producing multicrystalline silicon solar cells worldwide.
In 1985 this multilateral agreement was signed to protect the Earth’s ozone layer, and in 1987 the Montreal Protocol was adopted to identify and control the production, consumption and trade of chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances. The two agreements attracted worldwide attention to ozone depletion, which is believed to be a contributor to climate change.
1987 – 1995
- 1987
- Kyocera achieves energy conversion efficiency record (15.1%)
Kyocera’s 10x10cm multicrystalline silicon solar cells achieved an energy conversion rate of 15.1%, setting a world record for cells of this type. We have continued to push the record ever since with mass-produced solar cells.
- 1991
- Kyocera installs Japan’s first grid-connected solar power generating system
In a grid-connected system, the user’s solar power is connected to an electric utility company’s network, allowing the user to sell electricity to, or buy electricity from, the power company. This system, created for the first time in Japan by Kyocera, became the prototype that later led to a vast market for residential solar power generating systems.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, also known as the Earth Summit) that took place in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was the largest UN conference in history with an attendance of more than 40,000, including representatives from 172 countries. It produced the Rio Declaration, which outlined principles for a new global partnership toward sustainable development, and Agenda 21, which consisted of a specific action plan. This marked a start toward global efforts in environmental conservation.
- 1993
- Kyocera launches industry’s first residential solar power generating system
People consume the largest amount of electricity in the smallest unit of society: their homes. Kyocera’s dream since we launched our solar power business was to produce electricity at the site of consumption. And we did just that when we became the first company in the industry to market residential solar power generating systems.
1997 – present
- 1998
- Kyocera becomes world’s No. 1 producer of solar cells
Kyocera became the No.1 producer of solar cells in the world. In this year, Kyocera also completed its innovative headquarters building in Kyoto, Japan, equipped with a 214-kilowatt solar power system on the southern side and roof.
At the third convention in 1997 (COP 3), UN member states adopted the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, which set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries by at least 5% between 2008 and 2012 as compared to 1990 levels. This laid the groundwork for efforts toward the common goal of CO2 reduction.
- 2003
- Kyocera (Tianjin) Solar Energy Co., Ltd. established
Kyocera became the first Japanese company to mass-produce solar panels in China.
- 2005
- Kyocera Solar Europe s.r.o. opens Kadan Plant in the Czech Republic
Foreseeing growth in demand for solar power in Europe, Kyocera opened a solar panel manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic. In addition to the Tianjin Plant in China, the Tijuana Plant in Mexico, and the Ise Plant in Japan, this enhanced Kyocera’s global production and supply system to serve the world’s four largest markets of Japan, China, the Americas and Europe.
The World Fair in Aichi, Japan, attracted participation from 121 countries and four international organizations, with visitors numbering some 2.2 million during its 185-day duration. Commonly referred to as “Love the Earth Expo” in Japan, and featuring the theme of “Nature’s Wisdom,” the event was memorable for its focus on the Earth’s environment.
- 2007
- Kyocera announces plans to secure silicon materials and increase solar production in the world’s four largest markets
In light of expanding demand in the global solar power market, Kyocera anticipated a shortage of silicon materials and swiftly moved to secure a stable supply. We announced plans to increase solar cell production to 500 megawatts by the end of March 2011, about triple our 2006 output.
At the G8 Summit 2007 in Heiligendamm, Germany, leaders agreed to halve greenhouse gas emissions, which are widely identified as contributing to climate change, by 2050. Japan proposed a long-term vision for creating low-carbon societies called Cool Earth 50, which laid the groundwork for achieving this target as well as ensuring achievement of the goals agreed upon in the Kyoto Protocol.
- 2007
- Kyocera supplies panels for large-scale solar power plant in Spain
Kyocera supplied panels for a solar power plant that generates 13.8 megawatts of electricity at an enormous 36-hectare site. Known as Planta Solar de Salamanca, the facility incorporates about 70,000 Kyocera solar panels capable of powering some 5,000 homes. The plant itself is designed as a central power generating facility, making it a next-generation power plant capable of producing clean energy.
In July 2008, the town of Toyako on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido hosted the G8 summit, whose central topic was a common issue for humankind: climate change.
© Toyota Motor Corporation
2009
- 2009
- Kyocera supplies solar panels as optional feature for Toyota Prius
Kyocera’s solar panels were adopted in the solar ventilation system (an optional feature) of Toyota Motor Corporation’s popular Prius hybrid car. The new system uses electricity generated while the car is parked to power fans, ventilating the inside of the car and moderating rises in temperature.
- 2010
- Kyocera’s largest facility in Japan, Shiga Yasu Plant, reaches full-scale operation
Kyocera began operation of its largest manufacturing plant complex in Japan. The new Yasu Plant is our second solar cell manufacturing facility with high elemental technologies, following the Yohkaichi Plant. It manufactures the world’s highest efficiency mass-produced multicrystalline silicon solar cells and conducts research and development of next-generation solar cells.
- 2010
- Kyocera plans to increase production to accommodate growing solar cell market
Today, demand for solar power is expanding on a worldwide scale. To meet this demand with a stable supply of high-quality, highly functional solar products, Kyocera is preparing to increase production to 800 megawatts by the end of March 2012 and to 1 gigawatt by the end of March 2013.
