Notable Moments

September 20, 2021

On September 21, 1999, at the 11th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference (PVSEC) held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Inamori was awarded the "PVSEC SPECIAL AWARD." This award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in solar power generation, industrial technology, and the promotion of adoption policies. The award was given in recognition of Inamori's pioneering efforts in solar cell development and his central role in establishing the Solar Energy Association (now the Photovoltaic Power Generation Association), which contributed to the establishment of solar power utilization technology, promotion, and industry development. The award was indeed apt for Inamori, who had been leading the solar power business both in Japan and worldwide.

The solar energy business is a proud endeavor committed to preventing a human survival crisis due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources and contributing to the survival and happiness of humanity through the use of environmentally-friendly solar energy.

Inamori started researching and developing solar power generation immediately after the oil shock of 1973. At that time, there was a surge of voices from around the world echoing the need for alternative energy sources to replace oil, and many companies entered the solar energy business.

However, the once soaring oil prices of the time temporarily relaxed due to supply and demand adjustments, and the market did not grow even into the 1980s. Venture companies that had entered the market started going bankrupt or retreating, and even major manufacturers reduced their businesses and focused solely on research and development. The research and development budgets of various countries were reduced, and the market was on the verge of disappearing, leading to a challenging period that could be called a "winter."

In such a situation where other companies were retreating from the business, Inamori encouraged the company to continue the solar energy business and worked hard to promote the widespread use of solar power. The business had been unprofitable for nearly a quarter-century since its inception, but Inamori's will to continue the business never wavered. This was entirely due to the conviction and sense of mission that humanity's sustainable prosperity could not be achieved without shifting to a renewable energy source like solar energy.

The solar energy business is one of the invaluable and important businesses that embody Inamori's management philosophy that a business must have a great cause.