SoloPower Receives $200 Million to Produce 700-plus jobs

August 22, 2011 in Green Business, Green Business News, Green Careers, Green Jobs, Green News, Green Jobs Los Angeles, CA, Green News, U.S., Green Stories with 32 Comments

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Photovoltaic solar power plant - Image from Wikipedia

San Jose, Calif.-based SoloPower announced today that it has received a loan guarantee of $197 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, which will lead to the development of three facilities and create more than 700 green jobs in the solar panel industry.

The three solar panel facilities include a facility in San Jose and two facilities in Portland, Oregon, which will create 270 construction green jobs as well as 450 permanent positions. Several hundred extra supply chain jobs also will result from the massive SoloPower construction project. The three solar panel facilities will generate about 400 megawatts of thin film photovoltaic modules each year.

“This loan guarantee from the DOE is the kind of job creating investment this country needs,” Sen. Ron Wyden said. “Companies that push the boundaries of known technology will reinvigorate America’s economy and provide much-needed family wage jobs for Oregonians now, and in the future.”

SoloPower’s photovoltaic devices offer advantages over traditional solar panels

“CIGS” cells – cells created from copper, indium, gallium and (di)selenide – are what SoloPower produces using innovative technologies. These cells are highly efficient and low in cost, and they are easier to install than conventional solar panels. The CIGS cells are flexible and light in weight as well.

SoloPower will begin construction on its first Oregon solar panel facility in September, while the company already has been altering the existing California solar panel facility.

“Solar manufacturing represents one of the best ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and with SoloPower poised to make a massive investment in Oregon’s already impressive alternative energy technology industry, it is clearer than ever that Oregon continues to be a ‘go-to’ state for innovation,” Wyden said.

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About YaShekia King: YaShekia King, of Indianapolis, Ind., began writing professionally in 2003. Her work has appeared in several print and online publications including the “South Bend Tribune,”Ehow.com, Wisegeek.com and “Clouds Across the Stars,” an international book. King holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ball State University. She also is a licensed real estate agent, is a clinical certified dental assistant and is completing her master’s degree in human resource management through DeVry University. Connect with YaShekia on YaShekia King

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