Toshiba Makes Full-scale Entry into Solar Photovoltaic Systems Business

Toshiba Corporation announced its full-scale entry into the solar photovoltaic systems business.

On January 1, Toshiba's Transmission Distribution & Industrial Systems Company established the Photovoltaic Systems Division, a dedicated business management and promotion organization that will take the initiative in responding to a surge in demand for solar photovoltaic systems, widely recognized as a key measure against global warming.

Solar photovoltaic systems are moving beyond residential applications to large, megawatt-scale projects for utility and industrial plants. Toshiba will secure orders for large solar power generation systems by drawing on its competitive advantages. In components, the company's expertise includes high-efficiency power conditioning systems and the SCiB-the Super Charge ion Battery-Toshiba's breakthrough rechargeable battery that offers excellent safety, long life and rapid charging. In system integration, Toshiba can point to world-class capabilities in system integration, particularly in connecting generation systems to distribution systems; in microgrids that connect and manage dispersed small-scale power generation sources, including renewable energy sources; and in large plant system engineering capabilities.

In fiscal year 2015 the global solar photovoltaic systems market for utility and industrial plants is expected to reach 2.2 trillion yen(approximately US$24.4 billon) from that of 1.2 trillion yen(approximately US$13.3 billion) in fiscal year 2008. Toshiba will promote business expansion by utilizing existing global sales channels and expects to achieve an annual business scale of about 200 billion yen (approximately US$2.2 billion) by fiscal year 2015.

Toshiba will seek a rapid expansion of the business by focusing on renewable energy and energy-saving products and technologies, including SCiB. Toshiba's ultimate goal is a business expansion that addresses customers' needs and makes progress alongside the company's long-term contributions to a better environment.

Toshiba Corporation, www.toshiba.co.jp