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KYOCERA Supplies Solar Village Electrification Project in Nigeria

KYOCERA VaccPak

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — August 25, 2003 — Kyocera Solar Inc., a world-leading supplier of photovoltaic (PV) systems, recently supplied solar products and technical support for a unique rural electrification project designed to pump water and power homes, schools, clinics, mosques and local micro-enterprises in Nigeria.  Three agriculture-based villages with a population of about 8,000 are now enjoying solar electricity.

While many villages can benefit from solar electric power, most have little experience using it and no market mechanisms to provide it.  According to Steve McCarney, Kyocera Solar’s International Project Manager, this project will strive to spawn a grassroots solar industry that can sustain its momentum with new jobs and businesses that focus on system installation and maintenance.

The project is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Government of Jigawa State in Nigeria.  Management and on-site assistance are supplied by the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), a non-profit organization with extensive experience in developing village electrification.  SELF projects are typically in villages far from an electric grid and with little prospect of grid connection in the foreseeable future.  “Kyocera has brought its extensive experience of solar village electrification technology to this project. We are very pleased with Kyocera’s contribution to our partnership, which will improve the quality of life for the people of Jigawa,” said Mr. Robert Freling, Director of SELF.

Kyocera Solar Inc. will supply 13 different system configurations based on affordability and application requirements.  “Too many people still have no access to electricity, and  those who need it most are often the least able to afford it.   This project steps forward to improve community service, individual homes and local enterprise, enabling the villagers to obtain a higher quality of life," said Doug Allday, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.  “Kyocera is committed to these improvements for all people."

Kyocera has been supplying solar power products and systems in the most remote areas of the world for over 20 years.  Many of these systems have been used to enhance basic human needs.  Applications include solar-powered water pumps, vaccine refrigeration, lighting, telecommunications power equipment and educational support systems.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ, and regional sales centers on five continents, Kyocera Solar, Inc. services thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. 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, 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, 2003, the company’s net sales totaled 1.069 trillion yen ($9.06 billion) with net income of 41.1 billion yen ($348 million).