Sharp’s outsourcing strategy reinforced with closure of US solar module plant

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Sharp Corporation is planning to stop PV module assembly production at its plant in Memphis, Tennessee by the end of March 2014, according to reports citing company officials.

Sharp recently announced the closure of its PV module assembly plant in the UK. The planned closure of the US assembly plant would draw a line under its overseas PV production operations.

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

The company set in motion a major restructuring plan to drastically cut massive losses in 2012, having invested heavily in an advanced production complex in Japan for large-scale flat panel TV and a-Si thin film production.

The move to consolidate PV production in Japan is also part of Sharp’s strategy to significantly increase production outsourcing to reduce capital expenditure and become more flexible in meeting demand from the booming Japanese solar market.

According to NPD Solarbuzz, Sharp was able to gain market share on the back of the boom in PV deployment in Japan, becoming the third largest supplier in 2013, up three places from 2012.

The Memphis plant was established in 2003 and ramped to around 160MW by 2011, during a period of growth in the US residential market. The facility had tripled production since starting and had nearly 450 workers at its 2011 peak.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
At RE+ 2025, companies launched AI-driven platforms, terrain-following trackers, low-carbon modules, and advanced energy management solutions for solar and storage.
Premium
September 10, 2025
PV Talk: Italy’s new CfD policy offers clear support for solar developers in an otherwise uncertain legislative landscape, says Terrawatt's Patrizio Donati.
September 10, 2025
A project claimed to be Germany’s largest agriPV plant has been commissioned in the north-east of the country.
September 10, 2025
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has secured US$100 million in tax equity financing for its 125MW solar PV plant in the US state of Idaho.
September 10, 2025
Indian solar module manufacturer Vikram Solar reported a 79.7% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26.
September 10, 2025
Cordelio Power has started commercial operations at its 150MW Winfield solar project in Lincoln County, Missouri.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
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