Kyocera ramps annual solar cell production target to 1GW

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Kyocera has announced that it will significantly increase its annual solar cell production targets to meet the growing demand for solar energy products in the global market. New targets aim for an increase to 1GW annually by March 2013, which is more than 2.5 times the current fiscal year 2010 production volume of 400MW.

As part of the new plan to increase yearly cell production, Kyocera has also now completed the construction of a new cell manufacturing plant in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. This facility will operate in addition to the company’s existing Shiga Yohkaichi plant.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

 

 

Fiscal Year*

 

Annual Solar Cell Production Plan

 

 

Previous

 

Revised

 

2010

 

400MW

 

400MW

 

2011

 

550MW

 

600MW

 

2012

 

650MW

 

800MW

 

2013

 

 

1GW (1,000MW)

 

*Fiscal years run from the preceding April 1 to March 31 of the indicated year.

Kyocera has made these changes to meet the growing demand it has established by local production and supply networks for solar modules in North America, Europe, Japan and China. In addition to the solar cell production increase, the company will continue to enhance its module assembly capability.

“Kyocera will continue to contribute to solving increasing environmental issues by providing solar panels with high quality and high reliability for the creation of clean energy,” stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera.

The new Yasu Plant employs an enhanced manufacturing line, which increases productivity by 20% compared with the company’s existing Yohkaichi plant. The main product to be manufactured at the Yasu Plant is the company’s newly enhanced cell with an average energy conversion efficiency of 16.9%.

Facility Overview

Location:

 

Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan (within the KYOCERA Corporation Shiga Yasu Office grounds)

Building area:

 

12,738.55m² (6 floors: 90×130m)

Floor area:

 

68,151.88m²

Operation schedule:

 

June 2010

Production base:

 

Multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells

“Together with the existing plant at Yohkaichi, the new Yasu Plant will be Kyocera’s core production site for solar cells,” said Kuba. “In addition to mass-producing cells with Kyocera’s highest conversion efficiency, the new plant will also undertake R&D activities for next-generation cell technology.”

Read Next

September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.
September 16, 2025
The SPPC has launched a request for qualifications for 5.3GW of new renewable power capacity, of which solar will account for 3.1GW.
September 16, 2025
Chinese polysilicon producer GCL-Tech has entered into a strategic financing agreement with Infini Capital, a globally renowned investment institution backed by a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA