Green Technology Leader Suntech Creates Jobs in Ariz. with Its New Solar Manufacturing Facility

Goodyear, Ariz. The facility is not only going to boost up the renewable development in the region, it will also create near hundred manufacturing jobs in Ariz.

Through a recent press release, Suntech announced the opening of the said manufacturing plant in Goodyear, Ariz. The new module production facility will initially produce 30MW power annually. The plant will employ more than 75 operators, engineers and professionals by the end of 2010.

The 117,000 square foot facility features state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment and will initially focus on producing Suntech's 280W Vd-series modules, primarily used for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. All modules produced at the facility will be compliant for procurement in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects.

In the release, the green technology leader announced that strong interest from customers has encouraged them to start planning for the expansion of the facility to 50MW early next year. Post expansion, the facility is expected to employ more than 150 people by the end of 2011.

U.S. solar industry is growing at fast pace and to keep with the pace, Suntech plans to expand the facility, to eventually reach up to 120MW of annual production capacity. In addition, the company announced, the local operation will bolster solar research collaboration between Suntech and Arizona State University.

“Solar jobs follow solar installations, and more than 60 percent of all industry jobs are created in sales, finance, and installation, in jobs that cannot be exported. On average, the solar industry employs about 15 to 30 people for every MW of installed solar capacity - 6 to 8 times more than the traditional energy industry. The governments that advance clear and consistent policies to diversify with clean energy will create thousands of green jobs while achieving energy security,” Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's founder, chairman, and CEO, noted at the grand opening.

“Suntech Goodyear represents our efforts to grow jobs in Ariz. while demonstrating the importance of renewable energy, like solar, in diversifying and strengthening our state economy. The U.S. solar market is dramatically expanding, and Ariz. must remain a competitive leader in the renewable energy sector. This plant strengthens our credentials as the solar capital of the world. It is an encouraging step for the growth of the solar industry, illustrating that Ariz.'s forward-looking policies are resulting in local job creation,” Ariz. Governor Jan Brewer, who presided over the grand opening ceremony, said.

Encouraged by Ariz.'s clear and consistent policy commitment to the growth and development of solar energy and the state’s rigorous renewable targets, Suntech selected Goodyear for setting up their plant. Other factors relating to costs, logistics, and a supportive local business climate, also positively influenced their decision making process. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council played a key role in assisting Suntech with its selection process, the company officials informed.