Honda Soltec begins sales of thin-film solar cells

Honda's wholly-owned solar cell subsidiary Honda Soltec Company Ltd. (headquarters: Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto; president and CEO: Akio Kazusa) will begin sales throughout Japan of thin-film solar cells for public and industrial use on October 24.

Having sold solar cells for home use since October 2007, Honda intends to expand its customer base by manufacturing and selling solar cells capable of the high-capacity electrical generation required by public and industrial facilities.

Honda public- and industrial-use solar cells

Using a thin film of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) to convert solar energy into electricity, the Honda-developed cells are environmentally responsible both in their manufacturing process and in use. With increased awareness of environmental issues, Honda is seeing growth in demand not only for private - but also public - and industrial-use solar cells and continues to strengthen its business foundation by expanding product line.

In addition, Honda's extensive experience in large-scale solar cell installations has prepared the company for the expansion of the product line to public and industrial uses. The following are examples of completed projects:

	Honda Cars Automobile Dealership
	A 9 kW solar cell system was installed as part of the upgrading and reopening of the Honda Cars Mito, Katsuta North automobile dealership in Ibaraki Prefecture. The system powers the showroom and office of the facility.
	Kindergartens
	The Solar Bear Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education to children and fighting global warming, selected at random three kindergartens from among applicants throughout Japan to receive a Honda solar cell system.
	Automobile Transport Ship
	Honda affiliate and automobile shipper ACT Maritime Co., Ltd. installed a 20 kW solar cell system on one of its large transport ships, powering on an experimental basis the cargo hold lighting system, etc., since November 2007 with the abundant solar energy available on long sea journeys.
	Solar-Powered Hydrogen Station at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
	Using a 6.7 kW solar cell system on an experimental basis, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. is electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen without any CO2 emissions.
	New Motorcycle Production Facility at the Kumamoto Factory
	This 116 kW solar cell system, at 1,000 modules Honda's largest in Japan, powers the office building of the new facility.

In addition to developing motorcycles, automobiles and power products that emit less CO₂, Honda is creating energy-producing products and engaging in activities that help reduce global warming.

Comparison of Honda Solar Cell Modules

	Public and Industrial Use		Home Use
	HEM125PSA	HEM115PSA	HEM125PA	HEM115PA
Cell material	CIGS
Max. output per module (W)	125	115	125	115
Dimensions (W x D x H) (mm)	1,417 x 791 x 37
Weight (kg)	14.3
Nominal open-circuit voltage (V)	93.3	92.7	280	278

·	Figures calculated by Honda based on air mass of 1.5, solar radiation of 1 kW/m2 and module temperature of 25º C.
·	Actual output will depend on solar radiation, installation method (direction, angle and surrounding environment), geographic region and temperature.

Overview: Honda Soltec Co., Ltd.

Establishment:	December 1, 2006
Headquarters:	2042 Hirakawa, Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto, Japan (located inside campus of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Kumamoto Factory)
Sales Office:	Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
Capital Investment:	4 billion yen
Capitalization Ratio:	100% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
President and CEO:	Akio Kazusa
Employment:	Approximately 150 associates at full production
Annual Capacity:	Approximately 27.5 MW (equivalent to 3 kW systems for approximately 9,000 homes)