History of Sharp Solar
When Sharp started developing solar cells back in 1959, no-one could foresee the potential of photovoltaics. Today, its innovative research has enabled Sharp to make a considerable contribution to establishing photovoltaics as an environmentally friendly technology. Below, you can learn more about the history of development at Sharp Solar.
1959
It is founder Tokuji Hayakawa’s dream not only to manufacture products which consume electricity, but also ones which generate electricity. In 1959 Sharp begins to develop solar cells for the first time.
1962
Sharp develops transistor radios with solar cells.
1963
In Japan, Sharp is the first company in the world to equip light buoys with solar cells. Sharp solar cells also work reliably under extreme conditions on the open sea, even when confronted by heavy storms, rain and ice.
1966
Sharp installs what was then the world’s largest solar energy system in a lighthouse on the island of Ogami. The system is still in operation today. There are now more than 1,900 lighthouses around the world which use Sharp solar systems.
1967
Sharp starts developing its first solar cells for travel into space. 5 years later, they are ready for use. The Ume satellite is launched into space as the first of the current total of 160 satellites fitted with Sharp solar cells.
1980
In 1964, Sharp is the first company in the world to introduce a fully transistor-based pocket calculator for commercial use and develop a more compact, cheaper model.
1995
Sharp wins the Japanese government‘s Technology Award for its photovoltaic systems which can be installed on the roof of private homes. Solar power which is generated by private homes but is surplus to their requirements can now be sold to electricity suppliers.
2004
Made in the EU: Sharp PV modules are now also produced at its European plant in Wrexham, Wales, in the UK.
2005
Sharp launches its latest solar cell design onto the market: The film is only 4 µm thick, but still generates a high output. The new silicon-saving thin film cells can now also be used on building facades.
2007
Sharp begins building the world‘s most state-of-the-art LCD factory and the world‘s largest solar production plant in Sakai, near Osaka, Japan. 1,000 megawatts of solar cells will be manufactured there every year. Production launch: March 2010.
2009
Sharp celebrates fifty years in the solar sector and looks back over five decades of solar history. Sharp will continue to conduct research into new technologies for converting sunlight into electricity even more efficiently.
It is founder Tokuji Hayakawa’s dream not only to manufacture products which consume electricity, but also ones which generate electricity. In 1959 Sharp begins to develop solar cells for the first time.
Sharp develops transistor radios with solar cells.
In Japan, Sharp is the first company in the world to equip light buoys with solar cells. Sharp solar cells also work reliably under extreme conditions on the open sea, even when confronted by heavy storms, rain and ice.
Sharp installs what was then the world’s largest solar energy system in a lighthouse on the island of Ogami. The system is still in operation today. There are now more than 1,900 lighthouses around the world which use Sharp solar systems.
Sharp starts developing its first solar cells for travel into space. 5 years later, they are ready for use. The Ume satellite is launched into space as the first of the current total of 160 satellites fitted with Sharp solar cells.
In 1964, Sharp is the first company in the world to introduce a fully transistor-based pocket calculator for commercial use and develop a more compact, cheaper model.
Sharp wins the Japanese government‘s Technology Award for its photovoltaic systems which can be installed on the roof of private homes. Solar power which is generated by private homes but is surplus to their requirements can now be sold to electricity suppliers.
Made in the EU: Sharp PV modules are now also produced at its European plant in Wrexham, Wales, in the UK.
Sharp launches its latest solar cell design onto the market: The film is only 4 µm thick, but still generates a high output. The new silicon-saving thin film cells can now also be used on building facades.
Sharp begins building the world‘s most state-of-the-art LCD factory and the world‘s largest solar production plant in Sakai, near Osaka, Japan. 1,000 megawatts of solar cells will be manufactured there every year. Production launch: March 2010.
Sharp celebrates fifty years in the solar sector and looks back over five decades of solar history. Sharp will continue to conduct research into new technologies for converting sunlight into electricity even more efficiently.
