Jan 29 2010
Suntech Power Holdings has selected the city of Goodyear in Arizona to locate its first solar module manufacturing plant in United States. This was announced by the company and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer at the AZ4Solar Symposium. Suntech Power is the largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic module manufacturer in the world.
The company will provide employment to more than 70 local residents initially. The plant is also designed to be a showcase for its next-generation module manufacturing technologies and equipment. The plant will commence with a 30-MW production capacity with the potential to scale rapidly to more than 120 MW enabling the company to respond faster to the increasing demand for solar power across the United States.
After reviewing carefully several communities across the United States, Suntech Power selected the city of Goodyear based on various factors. The easy availability of manufacturing-ready facilities, supportive business climate in the Greater Phoenix Area, and Arizona’s progressive solar policies and renewable energy standards for rooftop as well as for utility-scale installations are some of the factors that helped the company to choose this city.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer commended the company for choosing Goodyear to locate its plant. Jan Brewer said that with the state offering right incentives, low payroll taxes, and availability of highly skilled workforce, Arizona can become a leader in the renewable energy sector.
Suntech’s solar module manufacturing plant at Goodyear will have next generation manufacturing and testing equipment to ensure that highest levels of output and efficiencies are obtained from the module manufacturing process. The company also plans to construct a solar parking structure at the plant’s site. The power generated from the parking structure will be utilized by the plant.
James M. Cavanaugh, Mayor of Goodyear, said that he was happy that Suntech has chosen Goodyear to locate its first U.S. plant. He added that this development will create employment opportunities to Goodyear as well as for all of Arizona.
Source: http://www.suntech-power.com