SoloPower Announces New Solar Panel Manufacturing Facility In Oregon

(by Staff Writers

San Jose CA (SPX) Jan 17, 2011)

SoloPower, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of flexible, thin film solar cells and modules, announces it will locate a high volume manufacturing facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. The initial phase of this expansion will be the construction of a 75 MW manufacturing line which will create 170 new jobs.

Upon completion, the facility is expected to have nameplate capacity of 300MW, employ approximately 500 people, and have a total investment of approximately $340 Million. This state-of-the-art production facility will greatly enhance SoloPower's ability to provide powerful, flexible, lightweight solar modules to its growing list of global customers.

"SoloPower is bringing exactly the kind of new jobs Oregon needs. By bringing their manufacturing headquarters to Wilsonville, we are continuing on the path toward establishing a stronger clean technology manufacturing base in Oregon." said Governor John Kitzhaber.

Today the Small Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP) Advisory Committee recommended approval to the Oregon Department of Energy for a $20 million loan to SoloPower. SoloPower has also applied for a Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) of $20 million from the State of Oregon.

These State programs will enable the company's efforts to rapidly scale up production, while providing an economic boost to the community, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Simultaneously, SoloPower is in discussions with the United States Department of Energy to obtain a loan guarantee under Section 1703 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to support the construction of the additional production lines.

"We are very pleased to welcome SoloPower and its advanced technology solar panel manufacturing operation, including its manufacturing headquarters, to Wilsonville," said Tim McCabe, the director of Business Oregon.

"This innovative thin film solar panel manufacturer, and its 170 new jobs for Oregonians, will make a great addition to North America's #1 solar manufacturing cluster located here in Oregon."

Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp said, "The City of Wilsonville is proud to bring this exciting new business to Wilsonville, and we are committed to supporting the solar industry help fulfill national and state goals furthering sustainability and energy independence.

The City is partnering with Business Oregon with the help of Clackamas County to promote smart job-growth in the private sector.

SoloPower's considerable investment in Wilsonville has the potential to produce several hundred family-wage jobs that represents a tremendous opportunity for the city, Portland metro region and the state."

"Over the past year, SoloPower has considered several alternative sites. Oregon is an exceptional location for our long-term growth," stated SoloPower CEO Tim Harris.

"SoloPower greatly appreciates the partnerships it has formed with the State of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Energy, Clackamas County and the City of Wilsonville. Oregon's business friendly environment, excellent support programs, and highly skilled work force made locating our new manufacturing facility in Oregon an easy decision."