Sharp Solar Modules Power Largest Privately Owned Solar System in Northern California; Solar System Provides Specialty Foods Distributor with 40% of Annual Power Needs

Business Wire, July 25, 2006

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- Sharp Electronics Corporation's Solar Energy Solutions Group has provided the solar modules for the largest privately-owned solar installation in Northern California, located at Tony's Fine Foods in West Sacramento.

A family-owned business, Tony's Fine Foods provides fresh and frozen foods to the retail grocery and food services industry throughout the West Coast. The 1.2 megawatt (MW) roof-top and ground-mounted solar electric system powers the company's large frozen and refrigerated food distribution warehouse in West Sacramento.

Powered by 5,782 Sharp 208 watt solar modules, the solar system is both a statement for clean, renewable energy and a smart financial decision. It is expected to generate 1.5 million kilowatt hours annually, accounting for more than 40% of Tony's Fine Foods energy needs and reducing the company's electric bills by $22,000 per month. With a rebate sponsored by PG&E, the initial cost of the system was reduced by half.

"Using clean, renewable energy sources is a way of giving back to a community we've served since 1934," said Scott Berger, owner and CFO of Tony's Fine Foods. "But it's also a way for us to manage energy costs - ensuring we can successfully serve our customers for years to come."

The solar electric system, which covers an area the size of three football fields, is the result of a collaboration between multiple partners, including the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group; Solar Development Inc, which designed and installed the system; Sun Link, manufacturer of the mounting system; SatCon, supplier of the inverters; and Team Solar, a Sacramento-based electrical contractor that managed construction.

"Tony's is showing the Northern California business community how much economic value can be derived from a solar system," said Solar Development Inc. project manager Kevin Davies. "As the company that designed the system, we're very proud to be part of this historic project."

"Leading companies like Tony's Fine Foods have realized that solar power not only protects our environment, but it also improves the bottom line," said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "This landmark solar system is further proof that solar is no longer an alternative - it is a vital part of today's energy solution."

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp has expanded its solar cell production capacity to 450 MW worldwide (from 415 MW) per year to meet the burgeoning demand both in Japan and internationally.

Sharp is also the U.S. market leader and began solar assembly operations at its Memphis production facility in October 2003 to meet the increasing domestic demand for solar energy. With an annual production capacity of 60 MW, the company's manufacturing facility in Memphis assembles a variety of solar panels for residential and commercial installations, including building integrated solar roof modules.

Further information on Sharp's commitment to solar energy and its solar product line is available online at solar.sharpusa.com.

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.