Solaicx Announces 48 MW Solar Facility in Portland, Oregon

The plant, which will have an initial run-rate of 48 megawatts (MW), will create roughly 100 new jobs by the end of 2007. In 2008, Solaicx plans to expand the plant's capacity from its initial 12 silicon ingot growers to a total of 36 growers. At full capacity, the facility will produce 142 MW of solar ingots and wafers per year.

"Solaicx's announcement confirms that Oregon, with our commitment to sustainability, skilled workforce and prime location, is on track to become the national leader in renewable energy," said Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.

The signing of a lease for the 136,000-square-foot facility follows a successful financing round lead by the D.E. Shaw Group. A formal plant opening and ribbon-cutting event will take place later this year.

"We looked at the state of Oregon's generous financial incentives for renewable energy and Portland's deep base of skilled labor in silicon manufacturing, and decided that the port is an ideal place for our continued growth as a company," said Jeff Jones, Vice President of Manufacturing for Solaicx. "This welcoming atmosphere will allow us to meet our goals and rapidly ramp-up to full production by the end of 2008."