German solar power firm, Schott AG, plans to aggressively expand its U.S. business, announcing plans to build a photovoltaic manufacturing facility to dramatically increase its production.

Its Roseville, Calif.-based Schott Solar division is evaluating locations for the new plant, which should be online in 2009. The facility will increase Schott´s U.S. photovoltaic production by more than 60 megawatts.

The company operates a Billerica, Mass., photovoltaic production plant with an annual capacity of 15 megawatts. Schott´s worldwide production capacity currently is 130 megawatts, which it plans to boost to 450 megawatts in 2010.

The potential market for solar power in the United States has reached a point that it makes sense for Schott to expand its manufacturing capabilities, according to the company.

"Demand for renewable energy in the United States is skyrocketing," said Udo Ungeheuer, chairman of Schott AG.