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KYOCERA Opens East Coast Sales Office for U.S. Solar Energy Division

Industry expert Gene Bertsche to direct KYOCERA Solar sales in New England

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, (January 30, 2004) — Kyocera Solar, Inc., a world-leading supplier of photovoltaic (PV) systems, today announced that it has hired Mr. Gene Bertsche to manage its new sales office in Middletown Springs, Vermont. Bertsche will serve the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada from the office (phone: 888-567-9608), which opened in January 2004.

Bertsche, a 15-year solar industry veteran, has worked extensively with dealers and OEMs to develop products and systems solutions. In his new position with Kyocera Solar, he will assist customers with both off-grid and grid-tie applications in the fast-growing PV market.

“Locating sales offices near our customers is part of Kyocera’s commitment to superior service,” said Tom Dyer, Kyocera Solar, Inc.’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Gene’s expertise is a significant addition to our sales force, and will complement our other sales offices located throughout the United States.”

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., and other regional sales centers in Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves 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).