Sharp plans to double solar PV production capacity in the UK

Sharp Corporation is planning to double production capacity for solar photo-voltaic modules at its factory in Wales, taking its potential output up to 220 MW. The investment is worth nearly £9 million and is due for completion by February 2007. This factory started producing PV modules in the Spring of 2004 with an annual capacity of 20 MW, increasing to 110 MW in February 2006. Until now, the German market has represented the bulk of demand for solar PV in Europe, but electricity buy-back guarantee programmes have been expanded to 20 countries, including Spain, Italy, Greece and France — where long hours of sunlight ensure good generating efficiency. The number of installations is growing rapidly, centred on southern Europe.

Related links:

• www.sharp.co.uk/icat/bussolar