Stion thin-film PV factory opens in Mississippi

September 19, 2011 - BUSINESS WIRE -- US-based thin-film solar module maker Stion opened its new factory in Hattiesburg, MS with Governor Haley Barbour and other state and local officials in attendance. This is southeastern America's first thin-film photovoltaics factory, Stion noted.  

The project will deliver more than 1,000 jobs and $500 million of investment over the next 6 years. Phase 1 includes a 100MW manufacturing line. which will create more than $100 million of investment and 200 direct jobs in the 2011-2012 timeframe.

Governor Haley Barbour praised "Mississippi?s skilled workforce" and the volume of jobs CA-based Stion will create in MS. The production facility is launching on "an extremely fast timeline" thanks to local employees and partners, added Chet Farris of Stion.

Also read: Calisolar ups solar silicon production with MS plant

Stion announced that it would build in Hattiesburg in January, and has since hired 100 employees locally and implemented recruiting and training programs with Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Stion produces high-efficiency, thin-film solar modules using a simple, low-cost monolithically integrated circuit design. The product has a 65 x 165cm form factor for use in any major solar market segment. Stion's most efficient production-scale thin-film circuit was verified at 14.1% efficiency by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).

Stion makes high-efficiency thin-film solar modules based on state-of-the-art materials and device technology and proven production processes. For more information, visit www.stion.com.

Subscribe to Photovoltaics World

Follow Photovoltaics World on Twitter.com via editors Pete Singer, twitter.com/PetesTweetsPW and Debra Vogler, twitter.com/dvogler_PV_semi.

Or join our Facebook group