Combining expertise and capabilities to provide more economical and speedy solutions for the Japan megasolar market

Tokyo, December 17, 2013 －Solar Frontier will form a strategic EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) alliance with BELECTRIC and Shoseki Engineering & Construction (SEC) to combine their expertise and capabilities in CIS-based solar power plants for the growing Japan megasolar market.

The alliance will leverage BELECTRIC's rich knowhow in megasolar installation, SEC's strong market knowledge and network of suppliers, and Solar Frontier's technological strength in real-world, economical solar module performance. This combination is designed to deliver greater value in overall megasolar projects. This new alliance in Japan builds on the foundation established between Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC, who have worked together since 2010 and established the joint venture company, PV CIStems GmbH & Co. KG, in 2012 to work on projects around the world.

The companies have already been working together on the Kunitomi Megasolar project in Miyazaki, Japan, which began operating in March this year. This alliance agreement formalizes their cooperation going forward to achieve further efficiency in execution, faster project completion and optimized return on investment. A project in Kagoshima that started this November will be the first for the trio under the new formalized alliance.

The solar and megasolar market in Japan is rapidly moving toward demand for "total solutions". Solar Frontier, BELECTRIC, and SEC have taken the opportunity to fulfill this demand by working together. The alliance is expected to strengthen the positions of all three in the growing Japanese megasolar market.

About Solar Frontier

Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) ("Solar Frontier"), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier's gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

About BELECTRIC®

BELECTRIC is one of the world's most successful companies in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic roof systems. It is the first company having installed more than 1 GWp of solar power worldwide. As an international company, BELECTRIC is represented in more than 20 countries. Its position as a world leader in technology is the result of a high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. A belief in the compatibility of economic and ecological interests has always been the basis for the sustainable success of our 1,750 employees. More than 100 active patents are a testament to BELECTRIC's innovative spirit. In addition to solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electromobility. Visit www.belectric.com for further information.

About Shoseki Engineering & Construction

Shoseki Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002). Leveraging its foundational expertise in oil refining technologies, and tank planning, construction and maintenance, the company has experience in construction, surveying and sanitization of filling stations and industry-leading tanker distribution systems technology. The company is also involved in planning, installation and maintenance of industrial solar power generation systems.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.