Siliken selects Windsor for new solar module facility

Valencia, Spain-based Siliken S.A. announced that it has selected Windsor for the site of a new module manufacturing facility. When it opens—which the company says will be by the second quarter of 2011, the company says it will be one of the largest solar module manufacturing plants in North America. The new facility will be capable of manufacturing 50 megawatts of solar modules a year while employing approximately 175 people. According to the company, Siliken specializes in the manufacture of PV modules, power inverters, installation structures, electrical security panels, string monitors and other components. In addition, it operates in the wind sector and produces different models of low-power wind generators.

“We are excited to make this announcement in Windsor,” said Carlos Navarro, Siliken S.A.’s president and co-founder at the announcement event. “The support that we have received from the City of Windsor and the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation made it the clear choice for Siliken’s expansion into the Ontario marketplace. Mayor Francis’s and Windsor City Council’s leadership and vision in strategically working toward developing a clean energy manufacturing cluster made this important decision that much easier”.

“Today’s announcement highlights the success of Ontario’s FIT program and its ability to attract leading, international manufacturers in the solar industry,” said Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor West and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. “We’re thrilled that Siliken S.A. has chosen Ontario as its Canadian headquarters and I’m especially pleased that 175 new manufacturing jobs are coming to Windsor.”

With the addition of this manufacturing plant, Siliken will be able to offer high quality UL-certified modules to Canadian developers required to fulfill the Domestic Content Requirements stipulated in the FIT program. In addition to its operations in Canada and the U.S., the company has facilities in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands.
www.siliken.com