SolarWorld says it is planning to add a new solar panel production line and expand solar cell production at its factory in Hillsboro, Ore.
The additions, slated for 2015 at an estimated cost of $10 million, would bring the factory's panel capacity up to 530 MW, increase cell production to 435 MW and add 200 jobs. SolarWorld currently has panel and cell production capacities of 380 MW and 335 MW, respectively. The company specializes in passive emitter rear contact cell technology.
SolarWorld has been at the center of recent anti-dumping trade cases against China. It has also struggled to maintain its position in the face of mounting competition, primarily from China. The expansion plans seem to vindicate its strategy to seek relief for what it charges are anti-competitive practices.
‘It is no secret that the last several years have been tough for SolarWorld and for U.S. solar manufacturers in general,’ says Mukesh Dulani, SolarWorld's U.S. president." However, thanks to a variety of factors, including our trade cases against China, difficult but necessary financial controls and a fantastic group of employees, we have turned the corner.’
