Spire Sets Up BIPV Solar Module Manufacturing in Mass.

The production line will have an annual capacity of approximately 5 MW or enough to power 3,000 homes per year.

The equipment for this production line comes from Spire's Chicago operations where it has been used to manufacture standard and customized modules and BIPV. Spire reached a purchase agreement with BP Solar that has owned the line. The module manufacturing line will be relocated and upgraded at Spire's Massachusetts headquarters.

"Locating this production line with our solar equipment and solar systems engineering in Bedford will permit its additional use as a demonstration facility for prospective equipment buyers and as a training center for customers, as well as a manufacturing line for BIPV modules," said Roger G. Little, Spire CEO. "Having the line here will better serve major module manufacturers, clients, contractors, architects and other renewable energy integrators."

Previously, these BIPV modules have been installed at Chicago's Millennium Park, The Field Museum of Natural History, Art Institute of Chicago, DuSable Museum of African American History, and other Chicago landmarks, as well as Denali National Park in Alaska and Kyocera Solar Industries in San Diego.

Spire will continue its presence in the Midwest by providing systems engineering, sales and marketing, and customer service from offices in Chicago.