Evergreen Solar Inc., a manufacturer of solar power products using string ribbon wafer technology, has announced it will expand its manufacturing operations with a new facility that is expected to be located on the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's (MTC) campus in Westborough, Mass.
The company's board of directors recently approved the construction of the new $150 million facility, which will increase Evergreen Solar's production capacity in Massachusetts by 70 MW and double its employee base in the state to more than 600 employees. The company currently operates its prototype production and manufacturing facility in Marlboro, Mass.
‘Our new plant in Massachusetts is a natural evolution of this market penetration as we focus on the significant opportunities in the U.S.,’ says Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar's chair, president and chief executive officer.
Construction of the new facility is planned to begin in early fall of this year, with completion expected in late 2008.
In related news, Evergreen Solar has formed an agreement with NSTAR, an investor-owned gas and electric utility. According to the companies, the agreement will combine Evergreen Solar's photovoltaic technology with NSTAR's capabilities and customer relationships for a new model of solar market development. Utilities National GRID and Western Massachusetts Electric have also entered into discussions about forming similar relationships with Evergreen Solar, the company adds.
‘This program with Evergreen Solar will expand renewable energy choices for our customers by making solar installations more accessible and affordable,’ says Thomas J. May, NSTAR's chair, president and chief executive officer.
