Originally published July 26 2005
State-of-the-art solar component factory groundbreaking attended by U.S. Energy Secretary
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Auto Channel reports that the groundbreaking for a new United Solar Ovonic LLC state-of-the-art solar component manufacturing facility took place July 14, and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
United Solar Ovonic LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics), today announced the groundbreaking for United Solar Ovonic's second 25-megawatt thin-film triple-junction solar module manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Mich.
The existing United Solar Ovonic 25-megawatt module manufacturing plant is the largest thin-film photovoltaic module manufacturing plant in the world.
It produces unique, flexible thin-film, rugged photovoltaic modules which convert sunlight directly into electricity.
The doubling of United Solar Ovonic's production capacity is an important step in United Solar Ovonic achieving its goal of becoming a leader in the use of advanced technology to address the growing world market for solar photovoltaic products.
"I congratulate Uni-Solar on this groundbreaking that will bring 200 jobs to the Auburn Hills area.
This new facility will help provide consumers and contractors with another option to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency," U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said.
United Solar Ovonic and ECD Ovonics are leading examples of high-technology manufacturing underway in our state which will create more high-paying jobs.
In commenting on the occasion of the groundbreaking, Senator Carl Levin said, "I have been following your progress with interest for many years and applaud your achievements.
I am especially pleased with the progress of the research and development efforts of your solar cells on flexible substrates.
These solar cells have the potential to significantly improve our military capabilities and increase our energy security."
Compared to conventional solar technology utilizing single crystal or polycrystal silicon, United Solar Ovonic's thin-film solar cells are 100 times thinner, do not use crystalline silicon material and, therefore, are unaffected by the worldwide scarcity of silicon.
The products, unlike conventional glass-based PV products, are lightweight, flexible and rugged and can be aesthetically integrated into buildings.
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