Japan solar-panel maker sees lower costs with process revamp

Tokyo

SOLAR Frontier KK, a unit of Showa Shell Sekiyu KK says the switch to a more efficient production process will help cut costs at a new factory intended to serve as a model plant for overseas expansion.

The company aims to shave more than a fifth off its production costs for thin-film solar panels within two years at the plant in Miyagi prefecture, president Atsuhiko Hirano said.

The Tokyo-based company expects to cut manufacturing cost to 40 US cents per watt from about 50 …