Sharp is starting off business year 2010 with rising turnover in the solar industry: production expansion, strategic alliances and continued technological developments secure the company a leading role on the worldwide photovoltaic market. Sharp will be presenting microamorphous triple-junction thin-film technology, see-through modules and more at this year's EU PVSEC in Valencia.

Sharp can tie in with the success of business year 2009 in the first quarter of 2010 as well: with over € 533 million (1), the technology company has increased its turnover in the solar segment by 65.7 percent in comparison with the same period last year. The share of the solar business within the overall corporation thus amounted to 7.8 percent - a value which should continue to increase on the long term: "Photovoltaics is one of our core business fields", says Peter Thiele, Executive Vice President of Sharp Energy Solution Europe (SESE). "We are investing heavily in this future technology and continue to see great potential worldwide as well as for Europe in particular. Sharp is currently expanding its production in Europe to be able to serve this important market as best as possible also in the future", Peter Thiele continues.

Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, released the following statement today calling on the U.S. Senate to include solar provisions that enjoy bipartisan support in the pending energy bill: "We applaud the Senate for bringing legislation to the floor to address the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico. This catastrophe has been a stark reminder that the U.S. must end its dangerous dependence on fossil fuels, and soon. While the Senate has struggled with partisan politics all year, there are several key solar provisions that enjoy bipartisan support that should be a part of the final legislation. These include extension of the Treasury Grant Program, renewable energy manufacturing incentives, and reform and restoration of funding for the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program. If enacted, these policies will result in hundreds of thousands of new jobs, accelerated deployment of solar energy in all 50 states, and will help the U.S. rebuild its manufacturing base and remain competitive in this rapidly growing global industry. The solar energy industry urges swift passage of this energy bill - including bipartisan solar provisions - before the Senate breaks for the August recess."

Source: SEIA