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Kyocera Solar, inc. Introduces New Solar Vaccine Refrigerator Technology

W.H.O. Approved VaccPak Offers Unprecedented Efficiency

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (June 1, 2002) - Kyocera Solar Inc. (KSI), a world-leading supplier of photovoltaic (PV) systems, today announced the availability of the worlds most economical solar-powered vaccine refrigeration system.

The new system, called the Kyocera Solar VaccPak, uses clean, quiet renewable solar power to help expand the vaccine cold chain to areas not presently served. The vaccine cold chain is a coordinated international effort to conserve vaccine potency from manufacture to end-user. The VaccPak is an extremely efficient product that operates from just a single solar module in most climates where rural clinics lack electrical power. Unique to solar refrigerators, the VaccPak "ice-lining" extends battery storage and life, while contributing to extreme temperature stability. These features improve reliability and simplify installation to be quick and correct.

Traditionally, remote clinics have relied on troublesome kerosene refrigeration systems or had no vaccine refrigeration at all. Kerosene refrigeration systems create pollution and tend to be unreliable, burdening staff with frequent maintenance and re-fueling. The introduction of Kyocera's VaccPak comes at a time when health officials in many nations are facing the challenge of replacing older kerosene refrigerators as well as providing new services. VaccPak offers a clean, reliable, renewable energy alternative.

Independent test results from the Consumers' Association, a World Health Organization (WHO) approved testing facility, concluded that the VaccPak meets all WHO standard (i.e. E3/RF4). The test results show that the Kyocera Solar VaccPak XL2100 as having the lowest energy consumption of any solar vaccine refrigerator systems published in WHO guidelines. Kyocera is also among the few WHO/UNICEF Qualified System Suppliers.

"Sadly, a staggering 25 million children are born each year in countries that are unable to provide routine immunizations," said Doug Allday, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. "Kyocera is committed to the advancement and expansion of the vaccine cold chain that delivers vital vaccination protection to the far corners of the earth."

All VaccPak systems are complete and ready to install. Each kit includes an industry-leading Kyocera solar module, long-life batteries, wiring, hardware, a VaccPak refrigerator/icepack freezer and instructions.

The VaccPak joins other Kyocera solar solutions for meeting human needs, including solar-powered water pumps, lighting kits, telecommunications power equipment and educational support systems.

About Kyocera
Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions, with headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ and sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera Corporation has become a leading supplier of solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2002, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled 1.034.6 trillion yen (US$7.778 billion) with net income of 31.953 billion yen (US$240.2million). Kyocera Corporation has been recognized by IndustryWeek magazine as one of "The World's 100 Best-Managed Companies."