First Solar, Inc., a manufacturer of solar modules broke ground on Oct. 6 for the expansion of its Perrysburg, Ohio facility. Upon completion, the expansion will increase the annual capacity to approximately 192 megawatts, based on run rates for the second quarter of 2008. The new investment will add at least 134 new jobs to the Companys current workforce of 700 at its Perrysburg facility.
The expansion will add approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing, research and development and office space. The company will also construct a separate facility to support increased development activities associated with its advanced thin film solar module manufacturing technology.
"First Solar is excited to move forward with this expansion. Our growing capacity allows us to continue reducing the cost of solar electricity to a level competitive with conventional sources," said First Solar President Bruce Sohn. "The associates at our Ohio manufacturing plant are making a singular contribution to energy supply and a cleaner, healthier environment."
