Solarfun expands PV distribution channel in Japanese market

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd, a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic cells and modules in China, has signed a PV module distribution agreement with Fujimi Fine Technology Inc., a leading manufacturer of silicon wafers and distributor of semiconductor products.

Fujimi Fine Technology will act as a non-exclusive distributor of Solarfun's products in Japan for one year.

Dr. Peter Xie, CEO of Solarfun, commented: "Japan has historically been a mature and stable solar power market. With the new incentives and subsidies that were passed by Japan's government in November 2009, Japan is now a sizeable and growing market. This cooperation with Fujimi Fine Technology expands our business reach in Japan, which historically was one of the hardest markets to penetrate for Chinese companies.

"Our products meet international quality standards and incorporate state-of-the-art technology. We believe our products will be attractive for Japanese customers and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Fujimi, a company known for its value-added, local and high levels of customer service in Japan."

Ouyang Yu, Asia Pacific Sales VP & GM of Solarfun, added: "Japan had been the largest producer of solar cells before it was surpassed by Germany in 2005. Incentives and subsidies in Japan resumed in 2009, triggering a doubling of PV installations that year. Nearly 90 percent of shipments to Japan are estimated to be for household use. With this agreement, we will boost our presence in Japan and be able to access this large retail on- and off-grid market."

Hironori Watanabe, president & CEO of Fujimi Fine Technology, commented: "This partnership with Solarfun will allow us to offer our customers modules with high quality and high efficiency at a discount to equivalent modules that are available from Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese government is formulating a plan for a 10-fold increase in solar power generating capacity by 2030.

"As part of this plan, the government will try to halve the price of a solar power home system in the next three to five years. With this relationship with Solarfun, we believe we will be able to help meet market demand in Japan."