SCHOTT Solar to Build New Solar Energy Technology Production Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico

January 14, 2008 – Vol. 12 No. 43

SCHOTT Solar to Build New Solar Energy Technology Production Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The facility in the Mesa del Sol region of Albuquerque will initially produce photovoltaic modules and receivers for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plants. The initial investment will be about $100 million, but longer term plans include investment to grow to $500 million. The initial employment will be 350 and could reach 1500 with the long term plans.

The plant is expected to begin production in 2009 with photovoltaic (PV) modules production an annual 64MW.

SCHOTT Solar PV modules produced at the new facility will utilize the proprietary ISO Texture technology, which creates a new surface structure via a wet-chemical process that produces solar cells with greater efficiency.

In 2007, SCHOTT’s total PV production capacity worldwide was 130 MW. For 2010, SCHOTT plans on a global yearly production capacity of crystalline solar cells and modules of about 450 MW each and additional capacity of 100 MW in ASI thin film technology.

The company is also a leading manufacturer of solar thermal receivers used in parabolic trough solar thermal power plants. When the Albuquerque facility goes online, SCHOTT’s worldwide receiver production capacity will reach more than 600 MW per year.

“SCHOTT Solar’s decision to create cleantech jobs in New Mexico demonstrates that our State is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “New Mexico is where leading clean energy firms like SCHOTT Solar want to be, thanks to our strong workforce, business-friendly environment, and our abundant renewable energy resources.”

SCHOTT was attracted to New Mexico thanks in part to the State’s commitment to the consumption of renewable energy. New Mexico currently has an aggressive 20 percent by 20202 renewable portfolio standard of which 4 percent must be from solar power. Additionally, New Mexico is at the forefront of progressive energy models in the US with its feed-in tariff, a globally proven model.

“According to independent analysis, resource calculations show that just seven states in the US Southwest could provide more than 7 million MW of solar generating capacity – roughly 10 times the total US generating capacity from all sources today. New Mexico is well positioned to take a leadership position in leading the renewable energy revolution,” said Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, Speaker of the Board of Management for SCHOTT AG. (1/14/08)

Links:

SCHOTT Solar North America
http://www.us.schott.com/solar/english

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No