China-based Suntech Power Holdings Co. announced on Wednesday that it would locate its U.S. plant in Goodyear, Arizona bases on the state's forward thinking philosophies regarding solar power usage.
"I am pleased to welcome Suntech to Arizona, and commend the company for choosing Goodyear as the site for its solar manufacturing operation," said Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. "I am very serious about establishing Arizona as a leader in the renewable energy sector."
The Suntech plant, which is currently scheduled to be operational and manufacturing by September, will itself be an example of how solar energy can be used to adequately power a commercial structure. Initial phases of the building will include enough of the company’ photovoltaic solar panels to generate 30 megawatts of solar power.
The building will have the potential to expand and produce over 120 megawatts of solar power at some point in the future. Suntech officials hoped their arrival would help and increase the solar energy demand in the U.S.
"Taking the step to bring manufacturing to the U.S. is a strategic move for our North American business, and we're focused on making the most of our investment," said Steven Chan, Suntech’s CSO.
