Solar Frontier’s Tohoku Plant Begins Commercial Production

TOKYO

Solar Frontier, the world’s largest provider of CIS solar energy solutions, announced today it has commenced commercial production at its 150MW Tohoku Plant in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

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Solar Frontier Tohoku Plant (Photo: Business Wire)

Solar Frontier’s newest CIS solar panel factory features its most advanced production technology. Compared to Solar Frontier’s main production plant in southern Japan, the 900MW Kunitomi Plant, the Tohoku Plant requires only two-thirds the investment and manpower per megawatt. It also requires only one-third the time to manufacture a CIS solar panel. This technology enables Solar Frontier to achieve globally best-in-class production costs and serves as a template for future production lines to be modelled on.

Solar Frontier first announced its decision to build the Tohoku Plant in December, 2013. After completing its construction in April 2015, Solar Frontier began ramping up the newly installed production lines. The Tohoku Plant now manufactures CIS solar panels of the same grade and higher compared to the Kunitomi Plant, initiating the decision to start sales.

New Tohoku Plant modules will first go on sale this summer in their home prefecture of Miyagi before they will be made available in other areas in Japan. Solar Frontier aims to provide solar panels with output of 180W and beyond once the Tohoku Plant reaches full production.

On top of power output, new features offer new benefits for installers and end-users. The addition of a busbar in the middle of the module, for example, improves the panel’s ability to perform when partially covered by shadows. Another key feature is lower module voltage, which enables greater flexibility when designing systems. Tohoku-produced panels also include modifications to the frame and junction box, making installation and maintenance easier.

The start of commercial production at the Tohoku Plant marks the continued successful cooperation between Solar Frontier, Ohira Village and Miyagi Prefecture. Through its new technology, Solar Frontier is harnessing the power of the sun to provide a cleaner, more comfortable life for everyone.

About Solar Frontier

Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TOKYO:5002) (“Solar Frontier”), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

About Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

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For Solar Frontier global media inquiries, please contact:
Solar Frontier
Kai Maraun or Akane Yamiya, +81 (3) 5531-5792
Corporate Communications Department
PR@solar-frontier.com