A conversion rate of 37%, high-efficiency solar cells for use in outer-space

High-speed Internet satellite "Kizuna" (Winds)

For use in space, a minimum, light weight and a high conversion rate are the most desired properties for solar cells. The lighter the cell, the higher the efficiency it can provide, and the more space the satellite will have available for important equipment to be installed. Sharp continues to make progress with leading-edge development projects as a designated supplier for the only outer-space development facility in Japan (JAXA), and had installed solar cells on 150 satellites as of April 2006.

In order to convert the rays of the sun not reaching the surface of the earth into electricity, high efficiency solar cells constructed from layers of various chemical compounds have been realized.