MakeHeat

Company Will Build 100 MW Production Line in Hattiesburg

Stion, a manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar panels, will build a new production facility in Mississippi as part of an incentive agreement with the state that includes a $75 million loan and other tax and training incentives. The project, which will be the first thin-film solar panel factory in Mississippi, will deliver more than 1,000 jobs and $500 million of investment over the next six years.

“In partnering with them, we are pleased to help address this country’s energy needs with clean technology, and support the region’s and the nation’s economy.”

The first phase of the project includes a 100 MW line planned for Hattiesburg, Miss., which will entail more than $100 million of investment and 200 direct jobs in 2011 and 2012.

“Today’s announcement that Stion is locating a thin-film solar panel manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg is further proof that Mississippi is an ideal location for clean energy companies to locate and expand,” Governor Haley Barbour said. “I am pleased to welcome Stion to Mississippi, and I thank the company for creating so many high-quality jobs for Mississippi’s workers.”

“Together, the state of Mississippi, Forrest County, and the city of Hattiesburg offer a business-friendly location with a strong resource base for manufacturing,” said Chet Farris, Stion’s President and CEO. “In partnering with them, we are pleased to help address this country’s energy needs with clean technology, and support the region’s and the nation’s economy.”

Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Stion is producing high-efficiency, thin-film solar panels using monolithically integrated circuits. Stion’s panels have a convenient form factor (65 cm x 165 cm) and are specifically designed for use in all major market segments, including commercial/government, residential, utility and off-grid.

In June 2010, Stion closed a $70M Series D financing to help scale production which included a partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), the world’s largest semiconductor foundry.

“Our expansion in Hattiesburg is an integral part of our capital-efficient scale-up plan,” said Farris. “The cost and time-to-market advantage of building here will provide a significant competitive advantage.”

About Stion:

Stion is a US-based manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar panels based on state-of-the-art materials and device technology and proven production processes. Stion was founded in 2006 and is backed by leading venture capital investors, including Khosla Ventures, VentureTech Alliance, Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst Partners, and Braemar Energy Ventures. For more information, visit www.stion.com.

The Obama administration’s progressive support for renewable energy will result in about 1.9 million green collar jobs, according to a new report published by three U.S. universities. It will also elevate the average household income by more than $1,000 and America’s GDP by $111 billion by 2020.

This sets Obama on track to create 5 million green (not just renewable energy) jobs over the next decade. Granted, he made this promise early in his campaign, all the way back in the spring of 2008. At that point he planned to spend $150 billion total to stimulate the green economy.

via Renewable energy policy to result in 1.9M jobs, study says | VentureBeat.

“… Homeowners in British Columbia will soon be able to reduce their home energy costs with new solar technology. The Government of Canada is investing $400,000 in the Solar Hot Water Heating program through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat initiative. The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, and Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, announced the investment and launched the program today at the Kelowna Solar Workshop.

“Our Government’s investment in this program will make it easier for homeowners to reduce their energy costs – putting more money in the pocket books of Canadians,” said Minister Raitt. “Not only will this project protect our environment, but this green energy technology will also help stimulate the economy and create jobs for Canadians.” …”

Natural Resources Canada: Government of Canada Invests in B.C. Solar Energy Program | SYS-CON UK.

“… Schott, which abandoned an initial public offer in Germany in September due to the global slump in stocks, has filled its first year orders from the New Mexico plant, Fine said. The plant can make 200 megawatts worth of solar troughs a year.

“The second half of 2009 will be better than the first, and the first half of 2010 better still,” Fine said.

Schott North America expects to upgrade capacity a further 200 megawatts in July and can add more assembly lines if needed.

“We can keep latching them on, up to a total of six lines and 1,500 jobs,” he said. …”

Schott Expects Rebound in Solar Equipment Orders on U.S. Aid – Bloomberg.com.