Kyocera Closes Tianjin Solar Panel Factory to Focus on Residential Panels, Presents Opportunity for Electronic Component Distributors

Kyocera, a leading manufacturer of solar panels, has closed its Tianjin factory that primarily produced solar panels for industrial use. This is due to the company expanding its production of residential products, which will provide more profitability.

Kyocera's photovoltaic business segment experienced a pre-tax loss in the fiscal year 2021 ending in March 2022. With increasing competition in industrial photovoltaic panels from Chinese competitors, Kyocera has been restructuring its manufacturing operations, reducing production in Tianjin and adopting a model of procurement from Chinese manufacturers.

The company will now focus on residential panels and transform its solar business by combining high-value-added products that incorporate residential batteries and energy management systems. This presents an opportunity for electronic components distributors to explore and potentially partner with Kyocera to supply these components to the solar panel manufacturer.

Kyocera began producing various ceramic products, including solar photovoltaic components, in the mid-1970s. The company has a long history of manufacturing high-quality electronic components, and its recent focus on residential solar panels presents an opportunity for distributors to explore new business partnerships.

While the Tianjin factory has ceased production, Kyocera's Shiga Yasu plant continues to produce residential products. As such, electronic components distributors may have the opportunity to supply components for this production line.

Overall, Kyocera's transition towards residential solar panels presents an opportunity for electronic components distributors to explore new business partnerships and potentially supply components to Kyocera's production lines.