Oct 19 2010
Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd, a producer of solar panels for industrial, commercial, residential and utility usages, has announced the opening of its first solar panel production facility in Goodyear, Arizona.
The company intends to produce 30 MW worth solar modules during the first year of operation by deploying 75 workers, professionals and engineers and has announced its plans to augment the production facility to 50 MW by the end of the year 2011 by employing around 150 people.
The company has announced its decision to manufacture Suntech's 280W Vd-series modules from its 117,000 square foot production facility. The modules designed to meet the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project requirements will be mainly used by commercial and utility level power generating companies. The company can augment its production capacity up to 120 MW to meet the growing demands of the U.S. Solar industry. Suntech also has plans to start a research alliance with the Arizona State University. Suntech has chosen Goodyear Arizona for its encouraging business environment, renewable energy policies of the state, available logistics and the setting up costs. The company took the assistance of Greater Phoenix Economic Council in its place selection process. Suntech is optimistic about its growth in the state due to the prevailing renewal energy target of the state to meet 15% of its power production from clean energy sources by the year 2025.
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Founder Chairman and CEO of the company said that approximately 60% of the jobs in solar industry are available in finance, sales and installation sections which are available only for the local market. He added that for every single MW of production capacity the company needs around 15 to 30 people. He concluded saying that the government’s clear cut and consistent policies on clean energy will generate thousands of jobs in the clean energy industry.