Recognized for long-term research into CIS, world's largest CIS factory, and contribution to society as an energy company

Showa Shell Sekiyu, Solar Frontier, and Dr. Katsumi Kushiya, Executive Officer and General Manager of Technology Strategy Planning at Solar Frontier, were awarded the "PVSEC Special Award" at an awards ceremony of the 21st International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference (PVSEC-21) held in Fukuoka on November 28. The prize is awarded to a company or individual that has shown an outstanding contribution to the solar industry and the promotion of photovoltaic solar energy conversion.


The PVSEC Award Committee conferred the prize with the following comments: "Showa Shell Sekiyu is a founding member of the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association and has contributed greatly to the growth of the photovoltaic industry for many years. Its decision to support long-term research into CIS technology has resulted in an even greater contribution to society as an energy company. We recognized Solar Frontier as the company that took the challenge to commercialize CIS technology, build the world's largest CIS factory, and become a world-leading solar manufacturer. Dr. Kushiya is highly valued for leading CIS technology research through his success in commercializing CIS and continued efficiency records."


"It is an honor to be recognized by PVSEC in this way. Showa Shell Sekiyu and Solar Frontier will continue to drive forward research and development into CIS technology to further increase the economical and ecological properties of our thin-film CIS modules," said Shigeaki Kameda, CEO of Solar Frontier. "We now have customers around the world who know the advantages of CIS technology as it gains momentum in the global adoption of solar energy."

About Solar Frontier

Solar Frontier, a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Solar Frontier is a pioneer of CIS (denoting key ingredients copper, indium, and selenium), the thin-film technology with the best overall potential to set the world's most enduring standard for solar energy. Our legacy of work in solar technology since the 1970s, the priority focus our laboratories have given to CIS since 1993, and our success in large scale CIS commercialization since 2007 mean Solar Frontier's modules deliver compelling economics, sector-leading energy conversion efficiency, and higher overall power output (kWh) in real-world operating conditions. Solar Frontier's gigawatt-scale production enterprise in Miyazaki, Japan, employs advanced production processes and low energy consumption to deliver high efficiency modules with superior ecology, reliability, stability and sustainability. At gigawatt scale, Solar Frontier supplies worldwide demand for a new standard in affordable solar panel performance. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Global Inquiries:
Daniel Lochmann, Edelman (Tokyo)
Tel: +81 3 6858 7721
Email: SolarFrontier@edelman.com