SolFocus, a developer of concentrator photovoltaic systems, has officially completed its expanded solar glass reflector manufacturing factory in Mesa, Ariz. The new facility provides an increase in manufacturing floor space of over 175%, along with a new line of manufacturing equipment.
The company says it will now have the capacity to produce 2 million concentrating reflectors annually for over 30 MW of solar power generation – over 15 times the plant's 2008 capacity. The expansion also includes a projected growth to over 150 full-time employees by the end of 2009 – a 200% increase over 2008's headcount.
SolFocus plans to utilize the 30% manufacturing investment tax credit, as set forth in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). ARRA provides the municipality of Mesa access to funds for investment in innovative solar energy generation technology, which will create even more jobs and economic benefit to the city, according to SolFocus.
SOURCE: SolFocus