With an SES, electricity from solar panels or from the grid, drawn late at night when power rates are cheaper, is stored in rechargeable batteries. Power conditioners are then utilized to ensure the most efficient use of power for refrigerated showcases, air conditioning, and lighting. SANYO will develop this business area by maximizing its strengths, including commercial equipment, which has secured a large market share due to energy-saving features based on heating and cooling technologies developed over many years. SANYO will also use its strength in high-quality rechargeable batteries, drawing on a wide range of technology developed for public and commercial applications, as well as HIT solar cells, which offer the world’s highest-level energy conversion efficiency at the practical level.
Although full-scale business operations are scheduled for the spring 2010, SANYO is now promoting the following steps to ensure early profitability: 1) development of large-capacity and high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems, 2) acceleration of product development based on demonstration testing, 3) collaboration with other companies according to product characteristics, and 4) constructing a framework for promoting.
While the photovoltaic system and rechargeable battery businesses are expected to enjoy substantial market growth in the future, the business environment is becoming increasingly difficult due to a sudden drop in prices and the intensification of competition. Consequently, in addition to further strengthening these business areas, which are already at the top of the industry, SANYO plans to expand the energy solutions market from large-scale facilities such as factories and high-rise buildings to small and medium-scale users such as retail stores, schools, and homes, while contributing towards environmental protection through the development of solutions based on its strengths. SANYO is aiming to reach a scale of operation of JPY100 billion for its energy solutions business by the fiscal year ending March 2016.
Initiatives for rapid business realization:
Development of large-capacity and high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems: Sales to begin in spring 2010.
Acceleration of product development based on demonstration testing: About JPY5 billion is being invested in a new production facility at the Kasai Plant (Tokonabe-cho, Kasai, Hyogo), and the new energy systems are being installed. Demonstration testing is being carried out, which will be useful for future product development. The plant will also be open for public viewing, which will help promote sales development.
Collaboration with other companies according to product characteristics: SANYO is promoting cooperation with a wide range of companies.
Initiative with Kajima Corporation:
SANYO is promoting development with Kajima Corporation concerning installation methods that will enable efficient electrical generation, by combining construction materials with HIT Double bifacial solar panels that generate electricity on both sides. (Installation planned for the administration building at the Kasai Plant).
Initiative with Lawson, Inc.:
SANYO has installed refrigerated showcases, lead batteries (10 kWh), and solar cells (10 kW) in Lawson convenience stores. Demonstration testing is underway to show the CO2 emission reduction, and energy-saving effects.
Construction of a promotion system: For the promotion of the energy solutions business, a special independent organization, the Energy Solution Business Division, will be set up directly under the president of SANYO on November 1, 2009. This department will coordinate the technology development, sales strategy, quality control, and service development functions, and will initially have a staff of about 70 people.
Along with the installation of solar panels (1 MW), lithium-ion batteries (1.5 MWh ), solar LED street lights, and solar bicycle parking lots at the new Kasai facility, SANYO will also install an energy management system (EMS) that connects air conditioning and lighting equipment in each building, including the plant and administration buildings. This will enable comprehensive energy control, and efficient use of electricity. Through these initiatives, SANYO plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by about 2,480 tons annually. This facility design has obtained the highest evaluation assessment, class S (excellent), under CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency).
