Sharp and San Francisco Giants Form Unique Partnership to Promote Solar Energy

Business Wire, March 29, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO -- Coinciding with growing interest in renewable energy among homeowners and businesses, Sharp Electronics Corporation and the San Francisco Giants Baseball Club today announced a sponsorship to promote solar power as an energy alternative. The sponsorship begins with the 2005 Major League Baseball season and will include prominent signage and a permanent solar demonstration at SBC Park.

Sharp Electronics is the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan, the world's leading producer of solar energy and the U.S. market leader. Sharp sponsors more than two dozen professional sports teams in the U.S., and the Giants partnership is the first promoting solar energy. It is believed the agreement also represents a first in both the solar and sports industries.

Complementing a highly visible Sharp Solar sign in left-center field, Sharp will install a 4.5Kw solar energy system on the roof adjacent to the Giants offices at SBC Park. The system will consist of 27 167-watt Sharp solar modules and is typical of the kind of system used on a standard California residence.

The system will transfer energy directly into the ballpark's electrical grid. The system's electrical output will be monitored by a multi-media kiosk located in the leftfield concourse. Utilizing a touch-screen display, fans can access information about the system, learn how solar energy works and its benefits and request additional information about solar from Sharp.

Sharp sponsorship of the "Crowd Noise Meter" at selected games and other promotional programs will be developed to draw attention to the stadium's solar energy system. The multi-year nature of the sponsorship will enable Sharp and the Giants to discuss development of a solar energy system designed to meet more of the ballpark's energy requirements in the future.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), California is the third largest market in the world for solar energy, ranking just behind Japan and Germany. In 2004, approximately 60 mega-watts of new solar capacity was installed in the state. This is the equivalent of adding solar energy systems to 30,000 average-size homes. Meanwhile, solar energy usage in the United States grew 27 percent in 2004 compared to a 17 percent increase in 2003.

"Led by California, more and more states are creating diversified energy portfolios, and this has contributed to the growth of a true domestic solar energy industry," said Toshihiko Fujimoto, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sharp Electronics Corporation. "With the recent announcement of California's 'one million solar roofs initiative,' the timing is right to raise awareness of solar through an association with a major, professional sports franchise," he said.

"The Giants are proud of our many 'first-of-their-kind' endeavors which we have incorporated into our operations at SBC Park. We have been on the cutting edge in adapting technologies and procedures that benefit the fan experience. Our partnership with Sharp enables us to stay on top of important trends and technologies that enhance the SBC Park experience," said Jorge Costa, San Francisco Giants senior vice president of ballpark operations.

"Baseball and sunshine go hand-in-hand, and when it comes to solar power, California continues to be the nation's leader helping to transform our industry into a $7 billion-a-year business," said Rhone Resch, president of the SEIA. "Coupled with Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, creative partnerships like the Sharp-San Francisco Giants initiative have the potential to turn the Golden State into the world's largest market for solar energy. The Sharp-Giants partnership lets the public know that the choice for reliable, clean, affordable solar power is a home run they can hit today," he said.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

The San Francisco Giants of the National League are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. Boasting a 122-year history, they moved to San Francisco from New York in 1958 playing a total of 42 years in Seals Stadium and Candlestick Park before moving into their current home at SBC Park in 2000. Since moving into SBC Park, with its breathtaking views, classic design and downtown location, it has been called home by the newest member of baseball's exclusive "700 Club", seven-time National League MVP and 2001 Home-Run King Barry Bonds, the 2003 National League West Division Champions, the 2002 National League Champions, and the 2000 National League West Division Champions. Off the field, the Giants boast one of the premier community outreach programs in professional sports becoming the first team to implement a 100 percent participation program, involving every player, coach and uniformed staff member in at least one community project throughout the season. Through its community outreach programs, the Giants work with corporate and non-profit partners to raise awareness, educate and generate interest in a variety of issues important to both their fans and community.