Sharp Corporation will showcase its stand-alone photovoltaic power systems at African Fair 2008 to be held in conjunction with the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV). These innovative power systems combine small-capacity photovoltaic panels based on thin-film solar cells with compact, lightweight storage batteries, and are designed for “off-grid” areas where utility-supplied electricity is unavailable.

Stand-alone photovoltaic power systems represent a state-of-the-art technology that uses only the energy from sunlight to enable the use of TVs and lights in areas where electricity from utility power grids is typically unavailable. These systems work by storing surplus power accumulated while electricity is generated during the day, and enabling this stored daytime power to be used at night.

Sharp’s systems 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 said to be approximately 1.6 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, and expects that they will contribute to improving the lives of this population while protecting the environment at the same time.

Sharp 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.