Sharp, a brand that's a mainstay of electronics and appliance chain stores worldwide, actually got its start 100 years ago selling belt buckles and mechanical pencils. (Company founder Tokuji Hayakawa also invented and patented an adjustable-flow faucet.)
Though best known for its TVs and computer and office equipment, the Japanese company, which ranked #10 in Electronics on
Fortune's 2012
World's Most Admired Companies list, is also a world leader in the production of solar panels and cells. The San Francisco Giants' Stadium, Denver International Airport -- even Google's Mountain View, Calif., headquarters -- all run at least partially on Sharp solar power.
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