Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

GE to build 400 MW CdTe thin film factory in Colorado

GE has announced that it will build a new 400 megawatt (MW) cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaic panel manufacturing facility in Aurora, Colorado. Over 450 jobs are expected to be created.

An artist’s rendering shows the site of GE’s new solar plant being built in Colorado. Image: GE.

According to a statement issued, the facility, which will be located in an existing building, will already begin producing panels in January, with commercial availability expected in 2013.

GE added that it will be capable of producing enough panels annually to power 80,000 homes, and will be larger than 11 football fields.

The company’s CIGS thin film solar pilot line is also located in Colorado. "Working with our Colorado-based solar team, we were able to achieve record efficiencies in our solar panels in record time," stated Victor Abate, vice president of GE’s Renewable Energy business.

In other news, GE said that it would be creating 100 new, high-tech jobs in New York. "We plan to add 100 high-tech jobs between our Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady and GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna," Abate continued.

He added, "The Cuomo administration has demonstrated a change in business culture in New York state. New York is well positioned to continue to be part of GE’s solar business growth."