The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has approved an allocation of hydropower to Sunworks Solar LLC for the construction and operation of a $200 million solar panel manufacturing plant in western New York. The plant will create 175 permanent jobs and 300 construction jobs, NYPA says.
NYPA trustees approved an allocation of 5 MW of hydropower for the construction of the plant, which will produce thin-film silicon photovoltaic solar panels. When completed, the facility will manufacture ready-to-deploy solar panels for the commercial, government and utility solar markets.
Sunworks Solar estimates that its fully operational facility in western New York could eventually result in as many as 1,300 jobs in various parts of the state. Although plans are still being finalized, construction on the facility could begin as early as spring 2010 and be completed by summer 2011.
SOURCE: New York Power Authority