Environmental Meadsures in Products (Details)

Kyocera is working to develop Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) by applying the fine ceramics technology we have accumulated since our company was established.

The fuel cell, with its high energy efficiency, is expected to be a new source of energy. It should lead to the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which is considered a major cause of global warming. It also releases extremely low amounts of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and sulfur oxide (SO_x) into the atmosphere as well as having very low noise.

Since 2004, we have worked in cooperation with Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., to increase the durability and reduce the size of residential-use SOFC cogeneration system in order to facilitate the practical realization of this technology. Since 2007, we have installed 45 units in actual residences in the Osaka Gas service area, demonstrating its high energy saving performance.

We agreed on joint development with Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. in March 2009 and aim to complete development in the early 2010’s.

The generating unit was jointly developed by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., and the hot-water supply / heating unit was developed by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. and Chofu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

Small SOFC Generating Unit (left) and
Slim Hot-Water Supply / Heating Unit (right)

By combining the light sensor with the high-efficiency LED lighting apparatus in convenience store test applications, Kyocera has succeeded in reducing ceiling area lighting power consumption and CO2 emissions by half.

Using fine-ceramic technology, Kyocera has developed long life and low-power-consumption LED lighting, thus contributing to realization of a low carbon society.



* Deterioration test data (under normal environmental conditions)

The adoption of the ceramic substrate and ceramic reflector considerably reduces heat and light deterioration. Results from the running test showed the reduction of output was within 10% for about 40,000 hours. It was confirmed that the expected life exceeded 100,000 hours in the accelerated test. (Based on “expected life of light source: lumen maintenance factor of 70%”)

Kyocera’s solar modules achieve environmental conservation by applying various innovations and improving characteristics. For example, the hollow space provided on the aluminum frame that surrounds the solar module allows dust and dirt that can accumulate on the glass surface of the module to be removed by rainwater. A clean surface enables the solar cells to perform at peak performance.

The new module is especially suited to facilities with flat-surface roofs on which solar power module are mounted at low angles, such as factories, warehouses and office buildings.

The value obtained by subtracting the used electric energy during production*2, *3 from the accumulative electricity*1 generated after installing the solar power generation system is calculated as the "energy effect."

The electric power to be consumed for producing a 1 kW solar power generation system is about 1,550 kWh*4. The electric power to be generated by this solar power generation system over 20 years (expected lifetime) will be 20,640 kWh*1 therefore the energy effect per kW is 19,090 kWh.

The solar power generation systems Kyocera has produced and sold so far total 1,253 MW and the energy effect produced by these systems reached a total of 2,349 GWh in 2008. The energy effect after continuing power generation for the next 20 years will be 24,970 GWh and consequently, the reduction of CO2 emissions will be 8,989,000 tons*5. This corresponds to about 10% of the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by all forests in Japan per year*6, *7.

*1. Calculated from the average of expected power energy at 16 sites of Kyocera Corporation around the country. *2. The estimated electricity used during production is calculated (system scale 30 MW/year roof-mount) with the energy payback period of 2.2 years for a single-year output of less than 100 MW, and the energy payback period of 1.5 years for 100 MW or more and the expected lifetime is 20 years (source: "Survey Research of Solar Power Generation Assessment" 1996 NEDO Commissioned business working paper (Photovoltaic Power Generation Technology Research Association), March 1997). *3. The estimated electric energy used during production of solar power generation systems that were shipped from 1992 to 2007 was recorded in the year when the products began to generate electricity. (Example: The produced electric energy in 1992 was recorded in 1993.) *4. Kyocera calculates the payback time of 1.5 years because the annual production volume exceeds 100 MW at present. *5. 360g-CO2 per kWh *6. The CO2 sink by 1 ha (10,000 m2) of forest is 3.57 tons-CO2 (source: Solar Power Generation Introduction Guidebook < Main > 2000 Revised Edition NEDO) *7. Calculated assuming that the forest area in Japan is 251,000 km2 (Source: Forestry Agency "Present State of Forest Resources (as of March 31, 2007)").

Halogenated elements, including chlorine and bromine, may produce hazardous materials such as dioxins when burned. Their use is controlled by chemical substance regulations in various countries throughout the world, a practice that began in Europe.
KYOCERA Chemical Corp. produces many halogen-free* materials that comply with these laws, thus helping to minimize the environmental impact of regulated chemical substances.

*Based on the standard value of JPCA (Japan Electronics Packaging and Circuits Association).

KYOCERA Chemical Corp. develops and sells styrene-free insulating varnishes used in the insulation of motors. These insulating varnishes have been shown to have VOC levels of 1/50 or less than that of existing Styrene-type products and to have considerably less odor.