Solar plant goes to Goodyear

Suntech Phoenix Solar Plant will launch U.S. manufacturing in the Phoenix area, supplying solar modules to the North American market, with 30 megawatts capacity, driven by ASU research, renewable energy mandates, and Arizona tax incentives.

Goodyear in the West Valley has been selected as the location for the first U.S. solar-panel manufacturing plant by Suntech Power Holdings, according to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

The much-anticipated announcement was made by the large China-based producer of solar energy equipment company at a solar energy conference in downtown Phoenix, where interest has surged alongside initiatives like Google's solar project across the industry.

Suntech announced on November 15 that it would set up its first American manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area, as companies such as GreenVolts secure major utility deals that underscore demand, but did not designate the specific location.

Goodyear was one of six Valley cities considered by the company for the plant, which eventually could employ up to 250 workers. It was a loss for East Valley cities Chandler and Tempe, which reportedly had been in the running.

The plant, which is expected to begin production by the end of this year, will supply solar modules to the North American market, supporting projects like the largest rooftop photovoltaic array now coming online, with an initial annual production capacity of 30 megawatts, Suntech said.

The Wuxi, China-based company said it chose the Phoenix area because of a research relationship with Arizona State University, the state’s renewable energy requirements for utilities and a supportive business climate that mirrors advances such as a 20 MW micro-grid project demonstrating storage and resilience.

Suntech is one of several solar companies considering setting up solar manufacturing facilities in Arizona after the state legislature approved income and property tax reductions for firms that set up operations in the state, encouraging adoptions like Seco Tools solar installation to cut costs.

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