Hopewell Junction, NY – May 7, 2010 – SpectraWatt, a manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon photovoltaic cells to the solar industry, today officially launched their factory in Hopewell Junction, New York with an open house event that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and factory tours. Guest speakers included John Lushetsky, from the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Program, in addition to state officials and business leaders.
“After so much careful planning and preparation, we are delighted that SpectraWatt’s first factory is up and manufacturing products for customers,” said SpectraWatt CEO Andrew Wilson. “This occasion marks an important milestone in our company’s history and we look forward to many years of success here.”
Guest speakers included:
- Congressman John Hall (NY-19)
- Sen. Stephen M. Saland (R-NY)
- Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- John Lushetsky, Program Manager, Office of the Solar Energy Technology Program, U.S. Department of Energy
- Hank DiMarco, East Fishkill Senior Location Executive, IBM
The first phase of the factory, which began running earlier this year, will be capable of producing 16 million solar cells per year under 24x7 operations. The facility, when fully outfitted with equipment, has the capability of producing over 50 millions solar cells annually, enough to power 35,000 homes annually.
“The official opening of the SpectraWatt manufacturing facility here in the Hudson Valley is a real cause for celebration,” said Congressman John Hall (NY-19). “Manufacturers involved in renewable energy technologies create green jobs while also lead us toward a sustainable future, and I am proud to have been part of the effort to bring SpectraWatt to this impressively refitted facility. We help ensure long-term economic security the closer we come to energy independence, and SpectraWatt is taking us in the right direction.”
“This is a great day for the Hudson Valley,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. “SpectraWatt’s decision to locate its operations here is testament to the growing momentum of New York’s clean energy economy, and a tribute to the great talent that is working to make the Hudson Valley a world-class center for renewable energy research and production. I’m proud that NYSERDA helped play a role in bringing SpectraWatt to this area, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with this great company in the future.”
“IBM and New York State have made significant investments in the technology and infrastructure of the East Fishkill Hudson Valley Research Park, and this announcement demonstrates that the site has value to companies in high-tech fields beyond the semiconductor industry,” said Hank DiMarco, IBM senior location executive, East Fishkill. “Our technology and site investment can be leveraged in renewable energy applications to meet energy demand, improve efficiency and build a green economy. The leadership of TSEC (The Solar Energy Consortium) and ESDC attracted SpectraWatt to New York, and the future collaboration of technology companies like SpectraWatt, GSM and IBM will sustain and accelerate solar technologies in New York.”
About SpectraWatt
SpectraWatt, a manufacturer and supplier of photovoltaic cells for the solar industry, focuses on advancing solar energy technologies. The company aims to improve current manufacturing processes and capabilities to reduce the cost of photovoltaic energy generation. Spun out of Intel Corporation in June 2008, investors include Intel Capital, Goldman Sachs, PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund and Solon SE. SpectraWatt is headquartered in Hopewell Junction, New York with additional R&D facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon. For more information, please visit www.spectrawatt.com.