Tuesday, September 4, 2007

AVA Solar Starts Solar Panel Production

Fort Collins, Colorado-based AVA Solar, a spinout of Colorado State University, has launched production of the firm's low-cost, high-efficiency solar panels. According to Colorado State University, AVA Solar is opening a new, 200-megawatt production facility that is expected to employ up to 500 people. AVA Solar is developing a continuous, automated manufacturing process for manufacturing thin film solar panels. The firm received a second round of venture funding from the Invus Group in late June for developing the facility. The firm is also backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative.