UK’s solar energy prospects brighten with Sharp plant expansion

The UK might not have a reputation as the sunniest place in the world, but its prospects as a player in the solar power industry grew a bit brighter this week when Sharp announced plans to double the production capacity at its solar cell plant in Wrexham, Wales.

Sharp plans to spend $46 million to expand production at its UK manufacturing facility from 250 megawatts a year as of this December to 500 megawatts per year by next February. According to the company, the increase reflects Britain’s growing appetite for solar energy and other renewables. Last year, for example, around 1 per cent of Sharp’s domestically-produced solar panels were set for UK delivery; this year, that number is closer to 10 per cent.

The expansion of capacity at its UK plant also supports Sharp’s strategy of “local production for local consumption,” an approach aimed at increasing cost competitiveness while shortening delivery times. The expansion of plant capacity is expected to create a number of new jobs in the local market.

According to Sharp, environment-focused government policies around the globe are expected to continue fuelling an increased demand for solar cells. The Japan-based corporation produces both crystalline solar cells and thin-film solar cells, and is aiming to expand its business model to also include solar cell sales and running power generation operations.