Abound Solar (formerly AVA Solar), a manufacturer of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has opened its first full-scale production facility in Longmont, Colorado.
The automated facility will create more than 300 new jobs and,
when at capacity, will produce 200 megawatts (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.
Abound Solar said its manufacturing process simplifies the
production of thin-film solar panels, rapidly expands production
capability and drives down the cost of solar-generated electricity.
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Hermann Scheer, president of EUROSOLAR, spoke at the facility's opening ceremony Tuesday.
“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.
