On April 22, the Sharp Manufacturing Company of America’s solar manufacturing plant in Memphis, Tenn., welcomed local officials for ribbon-cutting to commemorate a significant new solar electric system at the facility. This system, comprised of 790 Sharp solar modules, is one of the largest solar arrays in Tennessee.
The new 150-kilowatt system, mounted on the roof of the building, joins a 50kW ground mounted system on Sharp’s property, to provide the facility with a significant source of clean energy. Sharp Manufacturing Company of America was established in 1978 for the production of color televisions, and began producing solar panels in 2003. In response to increasing demand for its solar modules, Sharp has begun round-the-clock manufacturing of its industry-leading solar power modules, and increased staff.
“As we commemorate Earth Day, Sharp is delighted to be celebrating this significant solar milestone for Tennessee, as well as the addition of many new green technology manufacturing jobs in the U.S.,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.
“We’re seeing growing demand for solar power; our residential, governmental, commercial and utility customers want clean, emissions-free, and reliable power. We have responded to this demand, and in doing so, have created a wealth of high tech jobs here in the U.S.” Additionally, for every new job in our factory, many more are being created in the field – in areas such as design, sales and construction – where the systems are being installed.”
“Solar energy is the world’s cleanest and must abundant energy source," said Congressman Steve Cohen (Tennessee-9th Congressional District). "By harnessing the sun’s infinite power – like the Sharp factory is doing right here in Memphis – we can create abundant, clean energy to power an even stronger, more sustainable economy. Recognizing the need to expand solar energy, I introduced the 10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act. If enacted, this legislation will provide valuable cash rebates for the creation of 10 million small power plants located on the roofs of American homes and businesses throughout the country – similar to the one on Sharp’s roof. The legislation will also create more than an estimated 1.3 million direct and indirect jobs, lower energy costs, strengthen the economy, and put America on the path to energy independence.”
Sharp offers a high-quality, competitively priced and reliable suite of solar products, many of which are made at the facility in Memphis. The company is focused on accelerating the U.S. and global deployment of clean, renewable emissions-free solar power.
By providing a wide variety of solar electricity products to meet a diverse range of applications, Sharp is helping make solar power an increasingly mainstream energy solution – one that is accessible, efficient and cost-effective. With 50 years of experience in solar and excellent product performance, backed by a 25-year warranty, Sharp is one of the most trusted solar module providers in the U.S. and worldwide. Sharp has grown its presence in the U.S., supplying the solar modules that power thousands of residential, governmental, commercial and utility-scale solar electricity systems throughout the country. Its customers include Google, FedEx and Denver International Airport.
About Sharp
Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, based in Huntington Beach, Calif., is a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation of Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a world market leader in solar cell production, and offers both standard and integrated roof modules for home, business and utility applications.
