DSC News Updates

■ Modern times close-up: Why is Japan, the leader in solar cell technology, lagging behind in the world market?
According to Makoto Kyomizu of the Research Department of the Development Bank of Japan, "What is common in the rapidly growing Germany, China and Indian companies is that they pooled their investment money to world-wide scale and became huge in one burst. They collaborate with other companies if they lack the technology. Unfortunately, this is not a strategy that Japanese companies want to adapt."
(2008.11.05)

■ TV program
Recently, a "non-fuel" movement is spreading worldwide. In the heart of this, solar energy has become a main focus. In order to provide the demand of solar panels in Europe, several new manufacturers have sprouted up in countries such as China and India. Japan's Sharp Corporation stating that "Solar Energy is the next oil field." will not only produce solar panels but will actively participate in the solar power generation business by implementing non-conventional strategies. Also, Showa Shell Sekiyu, sensing the impending crisis of petroleum, has proposed a new strategy to give petroleum a backseat and instead promote solar energy business in the frontlines. A discussion involving solar energy in the forefront of fierce competition in the world's expanding market.
Studio Guest: Mr. Makoto Kyomizu from the Development Bank of Japan
(2008.10.22 NHK by Mr. H Tsuka)

■ Platinum-free DSC
Japan Carlit Company may have found a way to replace platinum used as the counter electrode in DSCs with a semiconducting polymer (polyaniline). The shift in material can greatly decrease production cost.
(2008.10.31 Chemical Daily by Mr. M Kuni)

DSC News Updates

■ Sharp plans to increase thin-film solar cells by 40 times by 2016
(2008.10.2 goo News/Asahi News)

■ Sharp finished increasing the production capacity of thin film Si solar cells in its
Katsuragi factory in Nara, and was ready for production from October 1, 2008. The per annum capacity of the factory was increased from the original 15 MW to the present capacity of 160 MW.
(2008.10.2 Tech-On!)

■ Indarra DTX clothing line from Buenos Aires, Argentina offers new line of solar cell clothes to provide power for mobile technology
(2008.10.3 Digital trends)

P.S. How is it different from this?

■ TDK plans to combine solar cell and battery cell technology
as an electrical power supply system in households to reduce CO2 emissions by 75%. Aims for self-manufacturing of production equipment and targets the introduction of technologies from top companies.
(2008.10.2 Nikkan Industrial News by Mr. H. Zuka)

■ Sharp begins high-volume shipment of 2nd generation thin-film solar cells
The Nara Katsuragi plant will start shipping from October 1, 2008. Sharp’s VP Hamano stated that Sharp aims to supply 50% of the world’s share in next- generation thin-film solar cells by 2012.
(2008.10.1 Kaden Watch and Reuters Japan)