Major solar cell manufacturer eyes New York for expansion

Date
04/24/2014

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CIS thin-film PV module leader and manufacturer Solar Frontier of Japan and the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) announced they have entered into an agreement to explore development and implementation of a joint research, development, and manufacturing initiative in New York State, with the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and nearly $700 million in investments projected.

Solar Frontier is one of the premier photovoltaic solar companies in the world, and the largest provider of affordable, advanced CIS solar energy solutions for commercial and residential use. Due to increased worldwide demand and forecasts for continued strength in solar panel sales, Solar Frontier has started developing blueprints and making preparations for future manufacturing facilities overseas, including potential sites throughout New York. The collaboration with CNSE represents an important step in Solar Frontier’s plans to establish production bases for its proprietary technology outside of Japan, the company’s home market that currently accounts for 100% of its production.

“We are honored to work with New York State and CNSE to advance our proprietary CIS technology R&D and manufacturing in New York,” said Hiroto Tamai, President and Representative Director of Solar Frontier. “Collaboration would provide Solar Frontier the opportunity for significant growth, by establishing overseas production bases and advancing our company as a global leader in solar energy. And under the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York is a leading candidate for an international manufacturing facility.”

“This announcement is a direct result of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s s NY-Sun and Energy Highway initiatives to make New York an international leader in green energy innovation and manufacturing, and our partnership with Solar Frontier is excellent proof of the success of the governor’s initiatives,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, CEO of CNSE. “Solar Frontier recognizes New York is uniquely capable of supporting the level of research, development and manufacturing it requires. We thank Tamai san and the leadership of Solar Frontier for their confidence in our great state and look forward to a successful partnership with such a world leader in photovoltaic technologies.”

CNSE and Solar Frontier have signed an agreement to explore building a key Solar Frontier solar module manufacturing plant outside Japan in western New York and establishing Solar Frontier’s North American headquarters at CNSE in Albany. Development and implementation of the initiative is projected to generate over $678 million in investments over 7 years. Solar Frontier anticipates the creation of 250 direct research, development, and manufacturing jobs, and 700-1000 indirect jobs from contractors and suppliers expected to locate in and around its New York facilities.

SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Solar Frontier

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