Solexant Corp., a developer of third-generation ultra-thin-film PV technology, has selected Gresham, Ore., for the location of its first commercial-scale nanocrystal manufacturing facility.
Upon completion, the 100 MW plant will be Oregon's first thin-film solar manufacturing plant and the largest nanotechnology manufacturing facility in the world. Solexant expects to receive a $25 million loan from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE).
‘This investment will mean jobs immediately for Oregonians with the promise of more in the future,’ says Gov. Ted Kulongoski, D-Ore. ‘In addition, this company brings a new technological facet to Oregon's already booming solar manufacturing base and will help us continue to be a global leader in solar manufacturing.’
Along with an $18.75 million business energy tax credit (BETC) from ODOE, a $25 million loan from the state of Oregon Energy Loan Program and the $64 million in equity funding Solexant has raised to date, the company says it will have adequate funds to bring the nanotechnology-based thin film solar plant to full capacity. The factory will initially be housed in an existing 100,000 to 150,000 square-foot facility in Gresham with plans to construct the new manufacturing line in 2011.
The city of Gresham has also provided a robust incentive package partnering with the solar manufacturing plant, which will employ as many as 200 Oregonians (97 confirmed local employees in the BETC agreement). The company expects to build additional 100 MW lines in Gresham after the first line becomes operational.
SOURCE: Solexant Corp.
