Kyocera Corporation announced on June 17th, 2013, that it is supplying approximately 30 megawatts (MW) of solar power generating systems to one of the largest solar power projects in Japan which is being implemented by the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (herein “Zen-Noh”) and Mitsubishi Corporation (herein “Mitsubishi”). Within the project, Kyocera Solar Corporation will be in charge of supplying, engineering, constructing, and maintaining a total of 30 MW of solar power generating systems to be installed at roughly 80 of the Zen-Noh Group's facilities (livestock barns, distribution centers, parking lots, etc.) around the country. The Kyocera order is worth approximately 8.5 billion yen (approx. 89 million US dollars*1), and comprises the initial phase of the project*2.
Aiming for the reinvigoration of the agricultural sector and local farming towns, as well as the further spread of renewable energy use, Zen-Noh and Mitsubishi are planning to build one of the country’s largest scale solar power projects by installing a total of 200 MW of solar power generating systems on farmers’ and Zen-Noh Group’s facilities nationwide by the end of FY2015. The two companies have established JAMC Solar Energy Company to operate the solar power project, and will sell the power generated from the installations to the regional utility power companies under Japan’s feed-in tariff program.
Kyocera first began research into solar energy in 1975, and has expanded its solar energy-related business to include not only the production and supply of solar modules, but also installation, construction, and even operation of large-scale solar power plants in Japan along with a number of other Kyocera Group companies.
Kyocera was awarded this contract based on the high-quality of its multicrystalline silicon solar modules, and the Kyocera Group’s comprehensive strength and engineering technology to install a large number of solar power generating systems in a short period of time on a wide range of agricultural facilities with diverse roof shapes. Through the provision of this large scale project, the Kyocera Group aims to promote the further use of renewable energy and to contribute to local communities and human society.
*1 As a convenience to the reader, U.S. dollar (USD) conversion is provided based on the rate of USD1 = JPY95 (as of June 14, 2013).
*2 Initial phase was applied for and approved under FY2013 feed-in tariff rate.
