Kyocera Corp. (6971.T) plans to spend $250 million (30 billion yen) to almost triple annual solar cell capacity, bringing it to 500 megawatts over the next four years.
The company says it needs expansion is necessary to keep up with demand and with competitors.
Kyocera is the world’s No. 3 solar cell manufacturer, behind Sharp Corp. (6753.T) and Q-Cells AG (QCEG.DE). The fourth largest producers is Suntech Power (STP.N).
Solar sales for Kyocera grew about 33% in 2006 – the company expects to expand at a similar rate over the next few years. Solar is its fastest-growing business line.
Kyocera says it has enough silicon needed for the expansion, but that it is also working to reduce the amount of silicon it uses.
Subscribe to Progressive Investor to keep with all the developments with the solar sector.
Loading...