Hitachi Capital (UK) and Sharp have agreed a strategic cooperation deal through which Sharp will offer a range of financing options for solar energy systems for private investors and business customers.
The scheme has been launched in response to demand for funding assistance to finance photovoltaic systems, despite the significant fall in module prices.

It has recently been launched in the UK and the plan is to extend it to other European countries in the middle term.

Peter Thiele, executive vice president of Sharp Energy Solutions Europe, said: 'This cooperation is an important step for us because our strategy is particularly focused on the field of small scale systems for private households. And it is precisely this sector which has seen an explosion in demand for financing options in recent years.'

End users can take up the financing options via a Sharp-certified installer. Installers achieve certification by qualifying during a training course at the Sharp Academy in Wrexham. On behalf of the end customer, the installer draws up a finance application to Hitachi Capital which, if approved, arranges for payment to be made to the installer or to Sharp.

Business customers such as public institutions, large corporations, SMEs and other companies can also take advantage of the funding from Hitachi Capital to invest in Sharp photovoltaic system.