Next-Generation Manufacturing Technology Will Reduce the Cost of Producing
High-Efficiency Solar Modules
FORT COLLINS, Colo.–(Business Wire)–
Abound Solar (formerly AVA Solar), a manufacturer of low-cost, thin-film
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, today announces the opening of its first
full-scale production facility in Longmont, Colo. This facility utilizes a
proprietary manufacturing process that significantly reduces production costs of
solar panels. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.,and Hermann
Scheer, president of EUROSOLAR, are scheduled to deliver remarks at the
facility’s opening ceremony today at 9:00 a.m. MDT.
The fully automated facility will create more than 300 new jobs and, when at
capacity, will produce 200 MW of solar modules annually. Its manufacturing
process employs Abound Solar’s proprietary continuous in-line semiconductor
equipment to convert sheets of glass into solar panels in less than two hours.
As a leading “next generation” solar panel manufacturer, Abound Solar’s
manufacturing process simplifies the production of thin-film solar panels,
rapidly expands production capability and drives down the cost of
solar-generated electricity.
“Today’s facility opening represents a milestone for Abound. We have moved into
commercial production, which allows us to keep pace with demand from our
customers as the market expands,” said Pascal Noronha, CEO of Abound Solar. “We
are now well positioned to deliver high-performing, cost-effective, solar
modules that can accelerate clean energy usage around the world.”
“Congratulations to Abound Solar – a true Colorado success story of how
renewable energy technologies can move from the lab to the marketplace,” said
Gov. Ritter. “As we see local renewable energy companies expand operations and
create jobs, we know that the New Energy Economy is leading Colorado forward,
and will help Colorado to have a quick and strong recovery.”
“Abound Solar proves that we have the capability here in the United States to
cost-effectively meet our energy needs, while protecting our climate,” said
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Abound Solar was founded in 2007 to commercialize a proprietary process for
manufacturing thin-film photovoltaic modules. Built upon 15 years of development
at Colorado State University and with support from the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, Abound Solar has developed a robust, commercial-scale, continuous
process for producing solar modules at an industry-leading cost that
significantly reduces the cost of generating solar electricity. For additional
information, visit http://www.abound.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5939245
Soho Square PR
Nicole Mezlo, 202-729-4210
nicole.mezlo@sohosquarepr.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009