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SCHOTT Solar Breaks Ground On Manufacturing Facility In Albuquerque
Albuquerque NM (SPX) Mar 04, 2008 Executives from SCHOTT AG of Mainz, Germany (SCHOTT), Governor Bill Richardson (D - NM) and local dignitaries ceremonially broke ground for the company's new manufacturing facility for SCHOTT Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of SCHOTT. The site, located in the Mesa del Sol region of Albuquerque, NM, will produce both photovoltaic (PV) modules and receivers for concentrated solar thermal power plants (CSP). Production is expected to begin as early as spring 2009. Initially, the company will construct a 200,000 square-foot facility, which will employ 350 people. SCHOTT Solar will invest approximately $100 million to start production in New Mexico. Anticipating the need to increase production of its solar power technologies as the market for renewable energy in the US grows, the new site is designed to support expansion of both its photovoltaic module and solar receiver lines. Long term plans call for the building to expand to 800,000 square feet with employment reaching 1,500 people, representing a total investment of $500 million. "This is an extremely proud day for SCHOTT," said Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, Chairman of SCHOTT's Board of Management. "With the groundbreaking in New Mexico, SCHOTT is further demonstrating the company's position as a global leader in solar technology and our ongoing commitment to developing the North American market through strategic investment." "Recently I announced that SCHOTT Solar was coming to New Mexico and would build a new $500 million-dollar facility to Mesa Del Sol," said Governor Richardson. "Just weeks later -- I am pleased to say -- SCHOTT Solar has officially broken ground on their new solar manufacturing facility. SCHOTT is one of the largest, most prestigious solar companies in the world and I am honored to welcome them to New Mexico."
High Quality Jobs with an Employer of Choice Job vacancies will be posted on the company's website and advertised in the local media. The company is working with the New Mexico and Albuquerque Economic Development Departments to develop a training and recruitment program. "SCHOTT Solar is committed to creating stable jobs with competitive pay and benefits for Albuquerque," said Mark Finocchario, President and CEO of SCHOTT Solar, Inc. "Our mission is to become an employer of choice within the region."
A Timeline for Ambitious Growth In March 2009, the first receiver, a critical component for concentrated solar power plants is expected to be available for sale. The PTR-70 receivers represent the latest in technological advancements for the surging CSP industry. The receiver contains an outer "envelope" glass tube which has an anti-reflective coating. Inside, in an evacuated, sealed environment, is a steel tube covered by an absorptive coating. It is inside this steel tube that a heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows when heated by the sun. This fluid, when heated by the sun, is then used to turn water into steam, which drives a turbine, generating electricity. In April 2009, the first photovoltaic panel manufactured for sale is scheduled to roll off the production line. The 220-watt single-pane PV panel will be similar to products produced at the company's European manufacturing facilities. The Albuquerque site will have an initial annual production capacity of 64MW of PV panels. Additional PV manufacturing lines will be added to the facility to meet market demand. Initially, the 190,000 square-foot facility will have 175,000 square feet allocated to production and 15,000 square feet of office space. The receiver line will occupy nearly double the space of the PV line (115,000 / 60,000 respectively). Future growth at the facility is planned by SCHOTT Solar, which will bring total employment up to 1,500, and SCHOTT's total investment to approximately $500M. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
Ocean Tomo Auctioning Patent For Revolutionary Solar Power Technology
Chicago IL (SPX) Mar 04, 2008Ocean Tomo Auctions has announced the sale of a patent and pending applications directed to high volume semiconductor production platform technology for very low cost solar cell, LED, and other valuable commercial applications. Lot 30A, comprised of U.S. Patent No. 5,725,659; U.S. Application Serial Nos. 08/322,292, 11/559,893, and 11/740,286; and PCT/US2007/82310, will be offered at the Ocean Tomo Spring 2008 Live IP Auction on April 2nd at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. |
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