Governor Bill Richardson Announces Signet Solar
to Build Production Facility in Belen Creating 600 Jobs
SANTA FE, N.M., Dec 16, 2008 -- BUSINESS WIRE
Governor Bill Richardson today announced Signet Solar will build the
company's first North American solar panel production facility in Belen. The
first phase of the plant will bring 200 high-wage jobs to the state and is
scheduled to begin operations in 2010. Signet's long-term plans call for
expansion and the creation of a total of 600 jobs.
"As Governor, I've been dedicated to making New Mexico a national leader of
renewable energy and the creation of green jobs," Governor Bill Richardson
said. "At a time of economic uncertainty, this project will create hundreds
of jobs and reaffirm New Mexico as a clean energy state and major player in
our nation's effort build a new clean energy economy."
The Signet facility will produce large area thin-film silicon photovoltaic
modules for commercial rooftop and ground mounted solar power systems. The
first phase of the plant will have an annual production capacity of 65MW --
enough to power approximately 20,000 homes. Long-term plans call to increase
production capacity to 300MW per year with a 600,000 square foot production
facility.
"New Mexico was an obvious starting point for Signet Solar's expansion into
the growing US renewable energy market," said Rajeeva Lahri, Signet Solar's
Co-Founder and CEO. "Under Governor Richardson's leadership, New Mexico has
demonstrated commitment to renewable energy through public-private
partnerships, leveraging its skilled workforce and world class research
institutions."
The 75-acre facility is situated 30 minutes south of Albuquerque on Rancho
Cielo, a Coast Range Investments property in Belen. Signet will be the first
company to set up manufacturing in the 6,000 acre Rancho Cielo master
planned industrial and residential community. Rancho Cielo plans to use
Signet panels on a 700 acre solar farm designed to meet the majority of
power requirements of the Rancho Cielo community.
"Partnering with Signet Solar, we are excited about bringing such high
quality jobs to Belen and the possibility of creating a sustainable green
city in New Mexico," said Jim Foster, Managing Partner of Coast Range
Investment.
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Signet is the first mover in large
area silicon thin film silicon PV technology. Signet began shipping product
to customers from its first plant near Dresden, Germany in October of this
year. Several commercial rooftop and ground mounted systems have already
been installed in the region. Signet's large-area thin-film silicon PV
technology will bring down the cost of solar power and can be used for solar
farms, large commercial installations, building integrated photovoltaics and
remote habitation.
About Signet Solar
Signet Solar, Inc. is a global company established in 2006 to bring Clean
Affordable Renewable Energy(TM) to people and countries worldwide.
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the company has been founded to
design, develop, manufacture and market thin film silicon photovoltaic
modules. For more information please visit www.signetsolar.com.
Signet Solar and Clean Affordable Renewable Energy are trademarks of Signet
Solar, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
SOURCE: Signet Solar, Inc.
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