According to Signet Solar, the Signet facility will produce large-area thin-film silicon photovoltaic modules for commercial rooftop and ground mounted solar power systems. The first phase of the plant will have an annual production capacity of 65MW, to distribute power among approximately 20,000 homes.
Signet’s plans call for expansion and the creation of a total of 600 jobs. The plans also call to increase production capacity to 300MW per year with a 600,000sqft production facility.
Rajeeva Lahri, co-founder and CEO of Signet Solar, said: “New Mexico was a starting point for Signet Solar’s expansion into the US renewable energy market. New Mexico has demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy through public-private partnerships, leveraging its workforce and research institutions.”
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Signet claims to be the first mover in large area silicon thin film silicon PV technology. It began shipping product to customers from its plant near Dresden, Germany in October 2008. Signet’s large-area thin-film silicon PV technology will bring down the cost of solar power and can be used for solar farms, commercial installations, building integrated photovoltaics and remote habitation, claims Signet.
