KYOCERA Solar Modules Achieve "Performance Leader" Rating in GTM Research's Reliability Scorecard

KYOCERA is Only Manufacturer to Earn Highest Rating Across All PV Module Tests

Scottsdale, AZ – August 25, 2014 – Kyocera Corporation announced today that Kyocera is the only solar module manufacturer to rank as a Performance Leader in all six categories in independent testing by PV Evolution Labs, as reported in GTM Research’s July 2014 PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

The report ranks performance of the 15 participating manufacturers in three categories: Performance Leaders, Middle Performers or Low Performers.

“With the exception of one manufacturer, Kyocera, no company consistently ranked within the Performance Leaders group for all test regimens,” GTM Research noted. “Results showed that most producers that performed well in one test did not necessarily perform well in all tests.”

The tests included Temperature Cycling, Dynamic Mechanical Load, Humidity Freeze, Damp Heat, and two Potential Induced Degradation Tests – both Positive and Negative. PV Evolution Labs’ stringent test protocols exceeded the current industry standards to emulate various real-world climatic conditions over lifetime periods while observing power degradation performance of the solar modules being evaluated.

“Kyocera has proven time and again, both in independent testing and by solar modules performing uninterruptedly in the field for decades, that our modules are able to consistently produce clean, renewable energy even in the harshest conditions,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar Inc. “GTM Research’s Reliability Scorecard is an important tool for investors and developers who seek independent verification that Kyocera modules exceed world-class levels of quality and reliability and are the best choice for their solar installations.”

Kyocera solar modules consistently demonstrate high reliability:

• In March 2014, Kyocera solar modules passed TUV Rheinland’s rigorous Salt Mist Corrosion Test, Edition 2, Severity Level 6.
• Kyocera modules are certified PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistant, exhibiting no performance degradation after high-voltage stress testing, by the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics.
• Kyocera solar modules were the first in the world to be certified by TÜV Rheinland’s Long-Term Sequential Test in 2010.
• Kyocera solar modules have shown to be the best long-term-performing modules in the systems that were installed and began operation in October 2008 at Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKA), a government-funded public showcase of solar installations.*

“Two-thirds of today’s cumulative solar capacity has been installed within the last three years, and PV installations are forecast to quadruple by the end of the decade, growing from 128.3 GW at the end of 2013 to 528.1 GW by the end of 2020,” GTM Research stated.

To learn more about Kyocera Solar solutions for both residential and commercial projects in the U.S. and Latin America, please contact infosolar@kyocera.com or +1-800-223-9580.

*Desert Knowledge Australia, the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and the project managers, CAT Projects, do not endorse, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the outcomes and conclusions associated with the use of data from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre.

About KYOCERA

Kyocera is one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of solar photovoltaic modules and systems. With a 39-year history of innovation in solar technology, the company is recognized as an industry pioneer and has set repeated world records in multicrystalline silicon cell efficiency. Kyocera serves thousands of residential and industrial customers in both developed and developing regions, with more than 5 gigawatts of solar collection equipment installed since 1975.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with regional sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia, and solar module manufacturing facilities operated by Kyocera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. of Tijuana, Mexico.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine (or “advanced”) ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with other technologies to create solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the company’s consolidated net sales totaled 1.45 trillion yen (approx. $14.1 billion USD). 

KYOCERA Solar Modules Successfully Pass TÜV Rheinland’s Salt Mist Corrosion Test

IEC61701:2011 Edition 2, Severity Level 6 is highest testing level in the industry

Kyocera announced today that its entire product line of solar modules has passed the Salt Mist Corrosion Test, IEC61701:2011 Edition 2, Severity Level 6, administered by TÜV Rheinland in Tempe, Arizona, demonstrating that Kyocera’s modules maintain performance even under very severe environmental conditions. Successfully passing this independent, third-party test indicates that Kyocera’s solar modules, which are the product of more than 38 years of continuous research and development, are ideally suited for long-term deployment in marine and coastal areas.

Salt mist is a corrosive agent that can reduce the output of solar modules that are not proven salt-mist resistant. Salt-laden humidity and rain conditions can adversely affect key module components, including the frames, junction boxes and glass surfaces, thus potentially reducing a module’s performance and lifespan.

TÜV Rheinland performed the test to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61701 standards, Edition 2, Level 6 -- the most severe testing conditions, involving eight weeks of intensive cyclical, sequential days of corrosive salt spray and damp storage, to simulate a harsh marine environment.

In 2011, Kyocera solar modules passed the rigorous Edition 1 Salt Mist Test of the Japanese Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET). Kyocera modules are also certified PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistant, exhibiting no performance degradation after high-voltage stress testing by the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics. Kyocera solar modules were the first in the world to be certified by TÜV Rheinland’s Long-Term Sequential Test in 2010. In addition, Kyocera solar modules have shown to be the best long-term-performing modules in the systems that were installed and began operation in October 2008 at Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKA), a government-funded public showcase of solar installations, demonstrating a range of solar power technologies from many of the world's leading manufacturers.*

“This ongoing battery of tests provides world-class evidence of the quality and reliability of Kyocera solar modules,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar Inc. “Kyocera has proven time and again, both through independent testing and through solar modules actually performing in the field uninterruptedly for decades, that our modules are able to produce clean, renewable energy reliably, in even the harshest conditions. 

To learn more about Kyocera Solar Solutions for both residential and commercial projects in the U.S. and Mexico, please contact infosolar@kyocera.com or 800-223-9580.

*Desert Knowledge Australia, the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and the project managers, CAT Projects, do not endorse, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the outcomes and conclusions associated with the use of data from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre

About KYOCERA 
Kyocera is one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of solar photovoltaic modules and systems. With a 38-year history of innovation in solar technology, the company is recognized as an industry pioneer and has set repeated world records in multicrystalline silicon cell efficiency. Kyocera serves thousands of residential and industrial customers in both developed and developing regions, with more than 4 gigawatts of solar collection equipment installed since 1975.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with regional sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia, and solar module manufacturing facilities operated in North America by Kyocera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. of Tijuana, Mexico.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine (or “advanced”) ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with other technologies to create solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company’s net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion).

Solar trackers help one of North Bay's largest recyclers reduce energy costs

Cotati, CA – February 26, 2014 … When the North Bay’s largest recycler of rubble materials saw their electric bills double overnight due to a rate redesign, they looked to solar to help. 

Through local solar installer North Coast Solar, the Soiland Company recently commissioned a 202 kW, 33 "dual axis" solar tracker installation in Cotati, California. 

The 52 year old company provides innovative approaches to construction and material supply needs. They produce rock, soil, and compost products at their three locations in Sonoma County, California and they are a leading recycler of rubble materials in the area.

“The decision to go solar not only made economic sense, but really aligned with Soiland’s environmental values. Since the Soiland Company’s inception, we have always strived to be as sustainable and environmentally responsible as possible,” said Mark Soiland, the second generation owner of Soiland.  The company first went solar in 2007 and has pursued other environmental measures, such as equipment upgrades to reduce smog even before it was required by state regulations.  

Working with their local utility, the newly installed system will help Soiland cut their energy bills by more than half and is projected to pay for itself in just seven years.

 Local installer North Coast Solar recently partnered with the Vermont-based AllSun Tracker manufacturer AllEarth Renewables to bring their innovative solar tracker to northern California.  

The solar trackers use GPS technology to accurately follow the sun from dawn to dusk, producing up to 40 percent more energy than fixed rooftop or ground mount systems.  The dual axis tracker was named a “Top-10 Green Product of the Year” by BuildingGreen magazine.  The ground-mounted solar systems are designed for homes, businesses, non-profits, and commercial-scale installations.   More than 1,750 units are operating throughout the United States.

“When the Soilands approached me about helping them reduce their sharply escalated electric bill I turned to AllEarth Renewables in Vermont. Their AllSun Tracker gives the best return on their investment with significantly higher electrical output during the day.  It will help with stabilizing their energy budget over the long term and reduce inflation risk.  It will provide decades of energy cost security for this local green business leader,” said Brian Hines of North Coast Solar.

President and CEO of AllEarth Renewables, David Blittersdorf added, “It is great to be partnering with North Coast Solar to bring our technology to northern California and particularly exciting to see it help such a great family business like Soiland go solar and save on their electric bills.”

Photo: A 202kW solar farm of AllSun Trackers provides energy and savings to the Soiland Company in Cotati, CA.

Solar Provides Another Win For Schools

Chaffey Joint Unified High School District projected to save millions through solar energy project

SACRAMENTO - Last week, in a unanimous vote, the Chaffey Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a 7.2 MW solar system across eight of their high school sites, becoming the latest California school district to look to solar power to save money.

The project, to be designed, built, and operated by PsomasFMG, LLC, is expected to provide nearly 50 percent of the total electricity the schools consume and save them millions of dollars over the course of the agreement between Chaffey Joint Unified School District and PsomasFMG.

“We are very excited to be working with such a forward thinking District,” said PsomasFMG President Paul Mikos.  “The savings generated from this solar project can go directly back into classrooms, where it is needed most.  The School Board and District staff did their homework before going forward with the project.  They have shown excellent vision in championing this project.”

The Chaffey Unified School District will join over a dozen California school districts who have turned to solar power, including Antelope Valley Union School District (9.6 MW), Milpitas Unified School District in Santa Clara County (3.4 MW), and Sweetwater Union High School District in San Diego, who not only has a 5.3 MW solar PV system, but also a solar thermal system that heats two swimming pools, among many other school districts that have gone solar.

“This cutting-edge partnership serves immediate and long-term needs – saving energy, saving money and creating educational opportunities for our students,” said Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent.

With a partnership with PsomasFMG, Chaffey Unified School District plans to further capitalize on going solar to use the project to provide a mentoring and internship program, as well as educational opportunities in science and technology for the students as they prepare for future careers.

“Schools have only just begun to tap into the enormous potential solar has for helping schools cut costs and provide clean air for its students to breathe,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA).

CALSEIA, the California Solar Energy Industries Association, is the nation’s oldest and largest state-based solar industry association representing manufacturers, installers, and distributors of solar panels and related components and technologies throughout the state.