Shedding light on solar power generation
June 1st 2007

In light of rising energy demand and with the threat of climate change ever looming, the need to seek out renewable sources remains vital.

The sun can provide a reliable and secure source of energy and may, at last, become a viable proposition. Claire Jackson reports on Sharp's solar activity

n view of recent accusations that large co-orporations are merely 'green-washing' , Sharp emphasises it is not simply jumping on the eco-awareness bandwagon.

"Sustainability and conservation have been important to us for many years," says Peter Thiele, general manager of the Sharp Solar Business Group,Germany /Austria, "Being environmentally aware is at the core of our company policy." The first generation of Sharp's solar cells were developed as early as 1959. The rationale at the time was to develop an independent energy source for special applications in areospace or in lighthouses. Since then, the once niche product has turned into an efficient, high-tech power source, and a key market for Sharp.

Until recently, the use of photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from sunlight was hampered by costly production.

However, against a backdrop of debate on diminishing supplies of fossil fuels, solar energy is finally being considered as a viable source of renewable power, and production is flourishing. Sharp has been manufacturing solar modules at its plant in Wrexham,Wales, since 2004.

Due to the increased demand, particularly in the European arena, production capacity has now been increased by 100% to 220 megawatts. In addition to manufacturing the modules, the solar pioneer also collaborates with partners on the installation of solar power systems.

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules are produced, dependent on design and application.The monocrystalline modules (pictured left) are extremely efficient due to their large solar cells and present the most effective solution for space-saving applications. Polycrystalline modules provide low-cost energy but they also feature a special bypass diode, which minimises power losses due to shadowing.

The modules, or 'sunlight batteries' are tabbed and joined together in Wrexham, evolving from delicate wafers to robust panels that are able to resist external impact such as high snow or wind loads.

With the backing of manufacturers such as Sharp, photovoltaic cells can provide a competitive, non-polluting method of power generation. It would seem that solar power is not just enjoying a renaissance but being viewed as a tangible renewable energy supply, outshining other conventional power sources.