The sun.

Its not yellow, its green

Global leaders in solar electric systems

The suns energy, the worlds leader

Sharp Solar Heritage
1959 Pioneering period Sharp begins developing solar cells 1963 Mass production Sharp starts large scale production of solar cells 1966 New landmark Sharp installs the worlds largest PV power system on Nagasaki lighthouse 1967 Sun, moon, stars Sharp develops solar cells for space travel 1976 Up, up and away Sharp installs the first PV system onto a Japanese satellite 1980 Solar summed up Sharp launches the first solarpowered calculator 1992 Cellular Success Sharp starts developing polycrystalline silicon solar cells 1993 Home at Last Sharp launches the first PV system for home use 2000 Solar Supremo Sharp leads the world in the production of solar cells and is awarded the Japanese New Energy Award 2004 Let the sunshine in Sharp installs its 100,000th PV system and production capacities reach an annual volume of 300MW 2006 Moving ahead Sharp introduce new thin film technology 2007 Production increases Global solar cell production capacity expands to 710MW

The golden yellow rays of the sun are turned into green energy to power the world, thanks to Sharps global leadership in solar technology. This brings a bright new dawn with much cleaner and almost infinitely renewable energy, as the suns energy is converted to the essential electricity needed to light and power our homes, to cook our meals and operate our appliances, to energise our working lives and leisure time. Its a green energy that fuels not only life on earth, but even satellites far out in space. Its nothing less than the future and nobody sees this more clearly than Sharp, far and away the world leader in evolution and production of the advanced technology to make it a reality. This global leadership comes from a long history of pioneering work in the development of solar cells that began as early as 1959, when few had the foresight to see the huge potential benefits. From this flying start we were able to quickly lead the way forward, reaching a significant landmark with the installation of what was the worlds largest solar power system at the Nagasaki lighthouse. Moving on just twelve months, we were already working on solar cells for space travel before man had even walked on the moon. Today, well over a hundred satellites circle our planet, efficiently performing their complex functions thanks to Sharp solar technology. Here on earth, over 100,000 of our solar systems are providing power in countries around the globe, with output continuing to grow. All of which has helped to establish Sharp as the worlds number one in solar power.

A greener legacy for the next generation

Amid growing concern about climate change and carbon emissions, Sharp offers a viable solution to the worlds increasing demands for energy. A solution not just to immediate needs, but one that will leave a cleaner and greener world for generations to come. The difference solar power can make is dramatic. For example, every kW produced has zero carbon emissions, which A world free of the environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels that for so long has affected our cities, woodlands, wildlife and the very air we breathe. Now, imagine not only houses but offices, factories, schools, hospitals, shopping centres, leisure complexes. Think how the Sharps leadership in solar technology has made it possible, by tapping into a source of energy beneficial effects can multiply to give a difference we can all enjoy. significantly reduces the carbon footprint. Thats how bright the future could be, and at Sharp the brightest minds are already working on it. The potential is massive and could solve our energy needs once and for all. which wont dwindle away like the fast disappearing reserves of oil and gas which are becoming more costly as they grow scarcer. In just a single hour the sun transmits more energy to the earths surface than the whole of mankind uses in a year.

The science to unlock the power of the sun

Sharps leadership in solar power comes from creativity and cutting-edge research in the science of photovoltaics which is the primary principle behind this virtually limitless supply of green energy.
Electron Hole (+) Electron (-) Negative Semiconductor P N Junction Positive Semiconductor Sunlight irradiation causes electrons to separate from their atoms. Electron holes and electrons begin to move toward the P-N junction. Sunlight

only minimal maintenance and are silent in operation. Best of all, they generate electricity without generating any of the harmful emissions currently threatening our environment and climate.

Put simply, photovoltaics (PV) is the direct conversion of sunlight into electrical power.

Sharp is the worlds leading manufacturer of photovoltaic technology, producing different types of modules to suit every purpose. Through an extensive programme of research and development, we are continuously enhancing the efficiency and potential of these and future products.

Its a process which involves the release of positive and negative particles as a result of the introduction of light into solar cells.

The electrical circuit is created by many solar

Lead Wire

cells connected in series within the special PV modules.

When the Electron holes and electrons come together at the P-N junction, voltage is generated. When lead wires are connected, electricity is generated.

The sun delivers 219,000 billion kilowatt hours of energy every year to the earth more than 2,500 times more than the total world

The consequent physical reaction in the solar cells generates direct current, which can then be converted to alternating current, depending on requirements.

population currently requires.

Our aim is to take an ever-increasing share of this clean, green power.

As the PV modules that perform this function

Sharp solar-photovoltaics

Monocrystalline silicon

Polycrystalline silicon

Thin-film

In a rather complex process, round ingots of monocrystalline silicon are pulled from molten silicon.

In the production process, polycrystalline silicon is cast in blocks which already have a square shape. The cold blocks are cut into ingots and then sliced into wafers.

For the production of this type of cells, silane (SiH4), the basic material, is deposited on a suitable substrate (e.g. glass or metal foils) by vapour-phase coating. The silicon layer obtained has a thickness of approx. 2 , i.e. it

The ingots are brought into a square or semisquare shape and then sliced into wafers. Polycrystalline silicon is somewhat coarser than monocrystalline silicon. Its crystal grain boundaries, a characteristic feature, are more distinct.

is 100 times thinner than that of crystalline silicon cells. Therefore, these cells are called thin-film solar cells.

Production process of solar cell modules

Monocrystalline silicon Silicon Crystal Block Wafer Cell Module

Polycrystalline silicon Ingot Ingot-Cut Block Wafer Cell Module

One of the most advanced plants on earth

Of all Sharps solar module manufacturing plants around the world, one of the most technically advanced is right here in the UK. Located in Wrexham, its our first European plant and is a state-of-the-art facility.

It has been manufacturing solar modules since 2004 and today it assembles highly advanced monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules for use in both residential and commercial installations.

These are not only supplied to the UK market but exported throughout continental Europe, where there is a growing demand for the efficient solar technology offered by Sharp.

ISO 9000:2000 quality standard and ISO 14001:2004 Enviromental Standard registered, the plant has its own RoHS Testing and Surveillance laboratories which ensures the manufacturing processes are kept within a strict European directive governing the use of potentially hazardous metals and substances.

Fittingly, the plant won a Green Apple award for Environmental Best Practice. This was given by The Green Organisation and is one of the worlds most prestigious environmental awards.

We have made massive investments in our Wrexham facility and will continue to do so. Capacity has recently been doubled and the number of panels produced has passed the one million mark.

Solar power is one of Sharps global strategic priorities, and through extensive investment and research we intend to maintain our position as world leader.

Greener homes, greener industry, greener future

1
Whats more, it can provide it at much lower

costs than conventional energy sources, which is welcome news for us all.

The PV modules are installed as part of your system which is represented here. 1. The PV array is installed in the best location to maximise the power output, for example in a residential installation on the roof. The PV modules are connected in series to generate a direct current (DC). 2. This direct current is converted to alternating current (AC) at grid rating by the inverter. Each kWp installed in the UK will generate, on average, 800 kWh per annum. This will vary depending on orientation and location. 3. This AC generated by your PV system is connected into the main distribution box for the building. 4. Here it uses the same electricity that would have been drawn from the grid. In times when you are producing more than you are using, any excess is fed back to the grid, while in times of excess demand this is topped up by drawing from the grid. 5. The meter will thus show the net electricity exported or imported to or from the national grid by the property.

Especially businesses, where this factor can make a crucial difference to operational profitability.

Apart from making financial savings, many companies are also concerned about their corporate responsibilities with regard

to environmental issues which are an increasingly sensitive subject.

Solar systems from Sharp are already providing effective solutions in green energy in many locations around the world.

Britains future has never been brighter because Sharp has enhanced the efficiency of solar power systems to make them viable even in cloudier climates such as ours.

In diverse situations that include public buildings, manufacturing centres, offices, lighthouses, commercial premises and residential properties.

The important thing to bear in mind is that solar power depends on intensity of light, not necessarily direct sunlight.

Working with our authorised partners, weve helped many different types of organisations to reap the full benefits of a cleaner and more economical source of electricity.

So here in the UK, a 2 kWp system on a three bedroom semi-detached house, using 3,300 kWh per annum would generate approximately half of a households demand for electricity. Easily installed and with the system requiring only minimal maintenance, Sharps photovoltaic products are meticulously engineered and robustly constructed for a long service life, delivering power for decades to come. The larger the installation the greater the contribution. Which is why we predict a growing demand for solar power in this country, and not just from home owners. As the world leader, and the brightest name in this exciting future, nobody is able to provide a better solar solution than Sharp.

From high rise office blocks to heavy industries, from essential services to everyday necessities, solar power can provide the electricity needed by any public or commercial enterprise.

The power to reduce your carbon footprint

Global leaders in solar electric systems

Sharp Electronics (UK) Limited, 4 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1EZ Telephone: 0208 734 2000 Facsimile: 0208 734 2400 Email: solar @ sharp-uk.co.uk Website: www.sharp.co.uk/solar

This publication is printed on recycled paper.