Sharp Corporation and Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. are jointly preparing 250 sets of solar power systems to be sent to areas afflicted by the earthquake and tsunami. With the cooperation of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the two companies are planning for the systems to be set up and operating at emergency shelters beginning March 25.

Ever since the disaster first struck, Sharp has been considering how its solar power systems can help. And with the support of Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery and other business partners, Sharp was able to quickly assemble a solar power system designed for disaster-stricken areas.

Up until recently, shipment and transport to the disaster areas have been difficult. But now that there is a system set in place by the Ministry of Defense for the transportation of goods upon the request of prefectural governments, corporations like Sharp are able to send relief supplies.

The disaster-relief solar power system is a stand-alone power system that consists of Sharp solar cells, Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery storage batteries, and an AC power strip. The generated power can be used for purposes such as recharging mobile phone batteries.

The main purpose of these solar power systems is to help those that are in areas where utility-supplied electric power may not be restored for some time to come.