December 1,2009   Kaneka Texas - Kaneka Corporation (Kaneka), a leading thin-film silicon PV manufacturer in Japan, introduces a newly developed Hybrid PV module to the US market and opens a US Office in Texas.

The Hybrid PV module has tandem junction; the micro-crystalline thin-film silicon layer and the thin-film amorphous silicon layer. This module achieves maximum 42% higher energy conversion efficiency than Kaneka's conventional thin-film amorphous silicon PV module.

The Hybrid PV module is an optimal choice to meet the needs of both residential and commercial solar installations. The sleek design of the Hybrid PV module features a durable backsheet, quick connect connectors, a uniform highly aesthetic appearance with black frames for a visually appealing installation. The nominal power of the Hybrid PV module is 110Wp (+10%, -5%) with the dimensions of 1210 x 1008 mm (or 47.64 x 39.69 inches). The weight is 40 lbs. (18.3 kg). The Hybrid PV module comes with a 25 year warranty on power output and is available for shipment beginning in the 1^st QTR 2010.

The Hybrid PV module delivers greater performance and incorporates a lower open circuit voltage for enhanced design flexibility. These advances will enable higher kWhr energy delivery per sq.ft. (SQM) and result in a lower overall installation cost. The modules are certified to UL 1703 standards. ＊Kaneka provides the Hybrid PV module certified to IEC 61646/61730 to Europe.

"Kaneka consistently innovates our product portfolio, taking into consideration valuable customer feedback on features that best suit their needs. Our customers requested a lower open circuit voltage with higher efficiency to lower the overall installed costs while delivering a higher return on investment (ROI), and we delivered. We're able to deliver a solar electricity solution that is ideal for virtually any application - residential, commercial, and utility scale," said Kawaguchi Koshihro, of Kaneka Texas. "This latest module introduction illustrates Kaneka's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solar products that address the various demands of the energy market and our end users."

Considering the potential growth of the US market, Kaneka opened up the office in its 100% subsidiary of Kaneka Texas Corporation in Pasadena, Texas in order to meet the expected increase in demand.

About Kaneka Corporation
The KANEKA Group has been the developer of leading specialist technologies in the field of polymers, fermentation, biotechnology and electronics. Such diversified technological advancement along with the fusion of these technologies has led to diversification of the Group's business beyond the chemical industry. Now, KANEKA has 7 principal activities; Chemicals(PVC and Caustic soda), Functional Plastics, Expandable Plastics and Products, Foodstuffs Products, Life Science Products, Electronic Products, Synthetic Fibers.
KANEKA has started Research and Development of thin film technology since 1980. KANEKA is the pioneer and leading company in this field supported by accumulated knowledge. KANEKA has mainly 2 kinds of PV products, Amorphous and Hybrid PV. Amorphous PV offers superior performance under high temperature condition. Hybrid PV has tandem junction and achieved higher energy conversion efficiency than KANEKA's conventional thin-film amorphous silicon PV module. The recent total annual production capacity is 70MW and going to be expanded the production capacity up to 150MW in 2010.

For more details and updated information, please visit our website;
http://www.pv.kaneka.co.jp

Contact;
[Kaneka Texas Corporation]
6161, Underwood Road, Pasadena, Texas 77507, U.S.A.
Tel:+1-281-474-1850 Fax:+1-281-909-2223

[Kaneka Corporation]
3-2-4, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8288, Japan 　　　　　　　　
Tel: +81-6-6226-5315 Fax: +81-6-6226-5144

[Kaneka Belgium N.V. German Office]
Otto-von-Guericke-Ring 13･D-65205, Wiesbaden, Germany
Tel: +49 6122 5077 43 Fax: +49 6122-5077-23