Jan 16 - Albuquerque Journal

Under overcast skies, more than 100 dignitaries, business leaders, scientists and community members talked about everything under the sun -- literally.

The occasion was a special groundbreaking ceremony Saturday for the 87,596 square-foot new home of Albuquerque-based Advent Solar Inc.

The solar research, development and manufacturing plant is the first structure to be built in the undeveloped Mesa del Sol area on the Southeast Mesa south of the Albuquerque International Sunport.

During the next few years, the company is supposed to put Albuquerque on the map when it comes to renewable energy and bring an estimated 1,000 high-wage jobs to the area, ceremony officials said.

"This is a multibillion dollar industry that is growing very rapidly because the world now needs other forces of energy," said Advent Solar President Russell Schmit, adding that New Mexico's legislators and overall community have been instrumental in it all. "We couldn't have done this ourselves."

One of the main reasons New Mexico is ideal for the solar research and manufacturing plant, officials said, is that New Mexico experiences more than 310 days of sunshine per year.

"This building is a dream come true," Schmit said. "We chose Mesa del Sol because they have room for us to expand, and we expect to expand pretty aggressively in the next few years. Second, they have actively targeted solar companies for the area. Third, the timing was right."

The one-story Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building,

which is owned by Forest City Covington, will cost an estimated $6 million and is expected to be completed by late 2006.

Advent Solar has pledged, ceremony officials said, to lease the building for several years.

The grounds also will feature bicycle paths and designated parking for hybrid fuel vehicles.

All landscaping will be xeriscaped and will feature a cistern for water harvesting and efficient irrigation.

"This is a momentous day for Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and for the state of New Mexico," Lt. Gov. Diane Denish said at the ceremony. "I'd like to thank Advent Solar for choosing New Mexico.

"This is a $4 billion industry that is expected to grow into a $27 billion industry by 2010," she said. "New Mexico is now positioned to be at the forefront of that growth."