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The thin film solar product will be capable of handling multi-megawatt, large-scale utility projects that are best served by a thin film solar solution, and the company is already working with prospective U.S. customers in preparation for these large-scale deployments.

"For the last fifty years, Sharp has researched and developed advanced, innovative solar technologies, guaranteeing our customers superior performance and excellent reliability from Sharp solar products," said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.

"As the U.S. solar market grows, deployments of multi-megawatt utility projects and large-scale commercial installations are on the rise. We are leading the way by expanding our technology portfolio so that we can meet the demands of these customers with an efficient, reliable and cost-effective solar solution of the caliber they've come to expect from Sharp products, whether it's traditional solar modules or thin film PV."

Sharp plans to increase thin film solar production with the construction of next-generation solar manufacturing facilities. Sharp Corporation has just completed installation of a new 2nd-generation thin-film solar cell production line at its Katsuragi Plant (Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture) using large-size glass substrates measuring approximately 1,000 x 1,400 mm, equivalent to 2.7 times the area of Sharp's 1st generation substrates (560 x 925 mm), and began volume production last October. The addition of this new line expands production capacity for thin-film solar cells at the Katsuragi Plant to 160 MW annually.

Thin film modules are manufactured with less than 1 percent of the silicon used for crystalline solar cells, allowing for simpler manufacturing and lower production costs. To optimise conversion of different parts of the solar spectrum, thin films can be layered on top of each other to create a more efficient multi-junction product.

Photovoltaic modules fabricated using the 2nd-generation tandem-junction thin-film solar cells feature a 9% module conversion efficiency and high 128W power output. It is these modules that will make up the initial offering from Sharp in 2009.

Thin film promises lower installed cost per megawatt and more megawatt-hours per installed megawatt than crystalline for the end-user, particularly in hot climates. It is also an optimal choice for installations where there is ample land for the system.