Thursday, July 23, 2009

First Solar, EDF Energies Nouvelles Partner On Solar Manufacturing Plant

Tempe, Arizona-based First Solar and EDF Energies Nouvelles announced today that the two are in a joint venture to build what they are calling the largest solar panel manufacturing plan in France. The two said that the plant will have an initial annual capacity of 100MW using First Solar's thin-film photovoltaic technology, and is a part of an effort of the French government to become a leader in sustainable energy technology. First Solar said that as part of the arrangement, it will build and operate the plant in France, with EDF Energies Nouvelles financing half of the estimated 90 million Euro ($128M US) capital expense and plant start up cost. The plant will employ 300.