Albuquerque, N.M. – In a major economic development for New Mexico, plans have been announced for the construction of a massive solar panel facility in southeast Albuquerque. The city will soon be home to the nation’s only solar cell manufacturing facility, bringing with it 1,800 good-paying jobs.
Dr. Bill Mulligan, the CEO of Maxeon Solar Technologies, carefully selected a 160-acre spot in Mesa del Sol after conducting a nationwide search. The facility is expected to have a significant economic impact, with state leaders estimating a contribution of over $4 billion over the next decade.
The announcement of the solar panel facility follows President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of a new wind turbine manufacturing plant in New Mexico. These developments highlight the state’s commitment to renewable energy and its potential to become a renewable energy hub.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her excitement about the project, stating that it is as big or even bigger than the economic investment made by Intel in Rio Rancho over 40 years ago.
Dr. Mulligan emphasized the significance of bringing solar cell manufacturing back to the United States, as most of it is currently done in Asia. The facility will help reshore this technology and provide American-made products to American customers.
Construction on the nearly 2 million-square-foot facility is set to begin early next year, with plans for it to be operational by the end of 2025. The factory will employ 1,800 people of varying skill levels, and Dr. Mulligan emphasized that hiring New Mexicans is a priority.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the impact of Maxeon’s presence in the city, stating that with the addition of Maxeon and Netflix, the facility will account for a significant portion of the entire city.
The solar panel facility is expected to produce up to 8 million solar cells annually once it is fully operational. This development further solidifies New Mexico’s position as a leader in renewable energy and paves the way for positive change in the state.
What is the expected economic impact of the construction of the solar panel facility in Albuquerque, NM?
Major Economic Development: Massive Solar Panel Facility to be Built in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM is set to experience a substantial economic boost with the announcement of plans to construct a massive solar panel facility in the southeast area of the city. This facility will become the nation’s sole solar cell manufacturing facility, creating 1,800 well-paying jobs.
After an extensive nationwide search, Dr. Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon Solar Technologies, carefully selected a 160-acre spot in Mesa del Sol for the facility. It is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, with state leaders estimating a contribution of over $4 billion over the next ten years.
This exciting development follows President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of a new wind turbine manufacturing plant in New Mexico, which demonstrates the state’s commitment to renewable energy and its potential to become a renewable energy hub.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that its economic impact is on par with, if not greater than, the investment made by Intel in Rio Rancho over four decades ago.
Dr. Mulligan also highlighted the importance of bringing solar cell manufacturing back to the United States, as the majority of it currently takes place in Asia. This facility will contribute to reshoring this technology and offer American-made products to customers in the United States.
Construction of the nearly 2 million-square-foot facility is set to begin early next year, with plans for it to be fully operational by the end of 2025. The facility will provide employment to 1,800 individuals with varying skill levels, and there is a strong emphasis on prioritizing the hiring of New Mexicans.
Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque emphasized the significant impact of Maxeon’s presence in the city, noting that when combined with Netflix, the facility will account for a substantial portion of the entire city.
Once fully operational, the solar panel facility is projected to produce up to 8 million solar cells annually, cementing New Mexico’s position as a leader in renewable energy and paving the way for positive change in the state.
This is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a greener future. Exciting news for the renewable energy sector! 🌞🌎
I’m thrilled to see the Biden administration prioritizing clean energy and creating more job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Great news for New Mexico! 🌞👏