Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell yesterday announced that a Greek solar-panel maker will open a manufacturing facility in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard. The planned project — which is to be owned and operated by Heliosphera US — is expected to create 400 jobs and attract hundreds of millions of dollars of investment. As Governor Rendell noted in the press release:
“This was a very competitive project and Heliosphera’s decision to locate this exciting facility at the Navy Yard speaks volumes about Pennsylvania’s efforts to build a competitive economic climate and one that encourages growth and innovation in the renewable energy field that will define our future,” said Governor Rendell.
“This project means a great deal for the city and the state, not only in terms of jobs and the sizeable investment the company is making here, but also in strengthening our state’s presence in the solar energy industry. Solar is the fastest growing source of electric generation in the world. With this and other solar projects underway across the state, we’re making a statement that we intend to be a leader in that growth.”
Heliosphera, which specializes in the manufacture of thin-film solar panels, received $49 million in funding support from the state. Efforts have not been limited to green-jobs creation. In recent years, Pennsylvania has taken steps to promote the adoption of renewable energy — particularly solar PV power — through the creation of rebates and other incentives. As a result, there are more than 1,300 solar projects currently underway in PA. When completed, they will bring the state’s total solar capacity to 60 megawatts, enough power to supply 7,200 homes. If nothing else, the case of Pennsylvania demonstrates that state governments can have have material impact on how electricity is produced, and how jobs are created, within their borders.
For more discussion on “green jobs” — e.g., what the heck is a green job, anyway? — see this post from November 23.
Philadelphia had the foresight to fund a solar training program with some of their stimulus money. The first class has graduated and most graduates are working. Contact 215-537-8301 if you are interested in hiring solar panel installers, designers, or sales representatives. If you are interested in attending you must live in Philadelphia and be unemployed. Our next class starts January 11, 2010. It is evident from the response to our outreach to employers that the solar industry is a growth industry for PA, DE, and NJ.