Press Room >> 2011 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
July 6, 2011

Spanish-Based Energy Technology Manufacturer Lands in Ohio
Photovoltaic Manufacturing Facility to Generate 330 Green Jobs

Columbus, Ohio - Isofoton, a leading solar energy technology company, chose Napoleon, Ohio, as the new home for its North American manufacturing facility. Contingent upon state approvals, the Ohio Department of Development will offer assistance of $15.8 million to leverage Isofoton's pledged $16.4 million investment in Ohio.

"This statewide collaboration demonstrates Ohio's focus on the strengths of our regions and targeted industries, and utilizes our available resources to enhance Ohio's reputation as a leader in the energy sector," said James A. Leftwich, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Making Ohio the base for Isofoton's first U.S. footprint, strengthens our state's manufacturing supply chain, and creates jobs statewide."

The Isofoton-Napoleon factory initially will consist of a 50 MW crystalline silicon PV module assembly line with fully automated REIS technology. Isofoton expects a short-term ramp-up to a 100 MW assembly line, with plans then to add a 100 MW cell line. The factory will start off creating 121 clean energy manufacturing jobs and ramp up to 330 direct jobs within three operational years. Indirect job creation, a vital part of the Isofoton's "all-Ohio" economic development strategy should amount to 1,000 additional jobs beginning in 2012.

"Isofoton's decision to locate its manufacturing facility and its associated jobs in Napoleon represents a significant achievement for the community and is the end result of a strong collaborative effort between state and local business partners," said Jon Bisher, City Manager of Napoleon. "We use our community-owned assets to attract and retain businesses that support the economic vitality for the city. As the new home of a solar panel manufacturing facility, Napoleon is once again demonstrating its leadership in terms of clean, renewable energy generation as a component of a balanced energy generation portfolio."

American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) has agreed to purchase up to 200 MW of "made in Ohio" solar panels over five years from Isofoton's Napoleon factory, which also has been selected by the Turning Point Solar project and American Electric Power (AEP) to supply Napoleon, Ohio-produced photovoltaic panels for 49.9 MW of solar energy to be erected on reclaimed mine lands in rural Appalachia. Isofoton is also working closely with the Toledo Port Authority on "made in Ohio" PV panels for solar energy projects.

"One of the goals of solar development was to create jobs in local communities, and this project represents one of the initial steps in achieving that goal," said Marc Gerken, President and CEO of AMP, Inc.

Isofoton is among Spain's largest solar PV manufacturers, with projects in more than 65 countries. Ranked among the leading European enterprises in the development, manufacturing and sale of solar cells and modules, Isofoton's global reach extends to branch offices and projects around the world, employing more than 700 professionals.

"Isofoton has always come to the table with an understanding of what manufacturing means to Ohio," said Joseph Hamrock, President of AEP Ohio. "The state's long-standing heritage of developing manufacturing facilities and associated jobs shows companies like Isofoton that Ohio is the place where emerging technologies can thrive. At AEP Ohio, we are proud to play an instrumental role in bringing new jobs to Ohio, while advancing renewable energy technologies in the Midwest."

Isofoton's Ohio vision is to establish a strong home industrial base plan, creating a complete, end-to-end, all local market cycle, where inputs are sourced locally, jobs are created locally, and a majority of the product remains in the local market, ensuring maximum economic development benefits and cost reductions. Locally sourced materials mean more jobs for Ohio's supply chain, while locally installed panels mean more jobs for installers, developers, financiers, and O&M companies.

"Isofoton's selection of Northwest Ohio to locate its solar panel manufacturing operation is just one example of what is possible when our region unifies its collective resources," said Paul Toth, President and CEO, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. "The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority plans to leverage this commitment by utilizing Isofoton products in our proposed utility scale solar installation projects, and our BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio program, which improves buildings across our region by financing energy efficiency and alternative energy technology improvements to residential, industrial and commercial buildings."

"Today's announcement demonstrates how utility-scale renewable energy projects will bring multi-generational jobs to small town Ohio," said Tony Logan, State Director, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture. "These advanced energy jobs fortify the local community and may inspire the next generation of Ohioans to stay home and contribute to our economy."

Isofoton has worked with many Ohio partners to produce an "all-Ohio" supply chain. After extensive research, Ohio was determined the best choice because it is a top five electricity generator and consumer, a top 10 in population, top five in strength of state solar carve-out, as well as home to several top-5 utilities and has a strong solar energy cluster.

"The University of Toledo welcomes Isofoton and its commitment to Northwest Ohio, and reciprocates the commitment to developing leading edge renewable energy research and expertise," said Lloyd Jacobs, President of the University of Toledo. "We are pleased that Isofoton looks forward to working closely with regional economic development partners and with the University's multiple research and worker training fronts."

"We are very impressed by the strong reception, leadership, and well-grounded thinking we have experienced in Ohio," said Angel Luis Serrano, CEO of Isofoton. "Our intention is to advance to all corners of the North American marketplace from our Ohio base, including advanced research and development. The key solar value proposition is that the installed price is the long-term price. There will never be fuel price increases."

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