Sharp Corporation and its U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary Sharp Electronics Corporation, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the state of New Mexico for joint development in the field of "new" energy, including solar power generation systems and fuel cells. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson traveled to Japan to meet with senior executives from Sharp and sign the letter of agreement this week. Sharp is the global leader in solar energy production.

Under the agreement, Sharp will work with leading technology centers in New Mexico, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and New Mexico State University to develop advanced calibration and testing for solar power generation systems and new solar technology applications in agriculture. Sharp and New Mexico will also target joint research and development opportunities involving practical uses for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which offer stable performance even at high temperatures.

"Sharp is proud to work with the state of New Mexico, which shares our keen commitment to make solar a mainstream energy alternative," said Ron Kenedi, General Manager of Sharp Electronics' Solar Systems Division. "Amid increasing energy costs and environmental concerns, the clean, renewable energy provided by solar technology holds significant promise for the future. With the accumulated knowledge and experience of Sharp and this impressive team of collaborators, this major partnership aims to pave the way for expanded solar energy markets and cleaner, more environmentally-friendly energy sources."

With abundant sunlight, New Mexico is a leader in the field of new energy, and has attracted federal laboratories and persuaded top researchers to relocate in the state. Governor Bill Richardson has been a strong proponent of solar and other clean energy technologies. Earlier this year, the governor enacted a new law that will require a 10 percent share for renewable energy in the state by 2011. Sharp Corporation possesses leading-edge technology in solar power generation systems and had the No. 1 share (26.6 percent*, of the world market for solar cell production) for the fourth consecutive year in 2003. In June, Sharp announced plans to expand its annual solar cell production capacity to 315MW, the world's highest.

Multiple Projects Signal A Bright Future for Solar in U.S.

The U.S. market is currently the world's third largest producer of solar energy, and is expected to climb to over 300MW by 2010. Each MW is the equivalent of one million watts of electricity. Last year, Sharp opened a U.S. solar panel manufacturing facility in Memphis, TN to meet the increasing demand for solar energy in the U.S. The solar manufacturing facility, based at Sharp Manufacturing Company of America, is assembling 165-, 167-,175- and 185-watt solar panels for residential and commercial installations.

Notable projects in the U.S. that feature Sharp solar system installations include a one-megawatt photovoltaic system at Butte County Center in Oroville, California, which will make it one of the top 10 largest solar energy systems in the U.S. The Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, California, is one of the nation's largest solar installations at a community college.

For 45 years, Sharp's photovoltaic research and development has led to numerous innovations. In Japan, the company recently introduced BIPV type modules using proprietary textured glass. These modules have the industry's highest conversion efficiency among commercially available panels. Sharp solar electric systems are featured in more than 100,000 installations worldwide.

Further information on Sharp's commitment to solar energy and its solar product line is available on the web at www.sharpusa.com.

*According to PV News

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) mobile data terminal. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.