Tokyo-based Showa Shell Sekiyu subsidiary Solar Frontier – the largest manufacturer of CIS (copper indium selenium) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules – and the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) in Albany, NY, USA have entered into an agreement to explore development and implementation of a joint research, development and manufacturing initiative in New York State, with the creation of more than 1000 jobs and nearly $700m in investments projected.
Due to increased worldwide demand and forecasts for continued strength in solar panel sales, Solar Frontier has started developing blueprints and making preparations for future manufacturing facilities overseas, including potential sites throughout New York. The collaboration with CNSE represents an key step in Solar Frontier's plans to establish production bases for its proprietary technology outside Japan, the firm's home market that currently accounts for 100% of its production.
"Collaboration would provide Solar Frontier the opportunity for significant growth, by establishing overseas production bases," says Hiroto Tamai, president & representative director of Solar Frontier. "Under the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York is a leading candidate for an international manufacturing facility," he adds.
"This announcement is a direct result of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's s NY-Sun and Energy Highway initiatives to make New York an international leader in green energy innovation and manufacturing," comments CNSE's CEO Dr Alain Kaloyeros. "Solar Frontier recognizes New York is uniquely capable of supporting the level of research, development and manufacturing it requires," he adds.
CNSE and Solar Frontier have signed an agreement to explore building a key Solar Frontier solar module manufacturing plant outside Japan in western New York and establishing Solar Frontier's North American headquarters at CNSE in Albany. Development and implementation of the initiative is projected to generate over $678m in investments over 7 years. Solar Frontier anticipates the creation of 250 direct research, development and manufacturing jobs, and 700-1000 indirect jobs from contractors and suppliers expected to locate in and around its New York facilities.
