Cheap solar power by 2010

Thin film solar – its quite thick

Sharp Corporation of Japan will showcase its new stand-alone photovoltaic power systems at African Fair 2008 (held in conjunction with the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV)).

The power systems combine small-capacity photovoltaic panels based on thin-film solar cells with compact, lightweight storage batteries, and power inverters. The packages will be ideal for mobile use worldwide and for second homes.

Sharp�s systems, which are not yet on the market, combine a PV panel made up of thin-film solar cells (two panel sizes: a 90-W and a 360-W model) which can generate electricity efficiently even in regions with high ambient temperatures thanks to the superior temperature characteristics of these solar cells, with a lead-free, environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery manufactured by ELIIY Power Co., Ltd. (two sizes: 1,024 Wh and 4,096 Wh capacity), plus a power inverter.

For example, the 90-W system with fully charged batteries can power lights, a radio, and an electric fan, regarded as the minimum appliances needed in off-grid areas, for three days even in the absence of sunshine. The 360-W system will allow the use of lights and an electric fan, plus a TV set (15-inch) and a refrigerator under the same conditions.

The number of people living in areas without access to utility-supplied electricity is approximately 2.6 billion worldwide. Sharp�s desire is that its solar power systems will become a pillar for providing electrical power in areas with no developed electricity distribution infrastructure.

Sharp says it is aiming to introduce these systems to the market at an affordable cost by the end of 2010, and in the future hopes to contribute to quickly bringing the benefits of electricity to these areas.

Overview of African Fair 2008

Purpose:

This exhibition is being held to contribute to �accelerating growth,� one of the key themes of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, by raising the awareness of Africa among businesspeople and the general public through presentations on the current state of affairs, investment environment, tourist attractions, etc., in various African countries as well as through exhibits of products from these countries. The exhibition will also serve in the effort to expand exports of African products to Japan in addition to introducing advanced technologies and products from Japan that can contribute to Africa. Venue: Exhibition Hall, Pacifico Yokohama convention center Dates: Wednesday, May 28, to Friday, May 30, 2008: official business days

Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1:open to the general public Hours: 10 am to 6 pm

(except on Wednesday, May 28, the building will be closed from 12 noon to 3 pm, and on the final day, Sunday, June 1, the building will close at 5 pm) Sponsorship: The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/bizafrica/

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