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 impact will the solar panel facility have on the reshoring of solar cell manufacturing in the United States and the country’s renewable energy industry as a whole
In an exciting announcement for New Mexico, plans have been unveiled for the construction of a massive solar panel facility in southeast Albuquerque. This groundbreaking project will establish the nation’s sole solar cell manufacturing facility and create 1,800 high-paying jobs.
Dr. Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon Solar Technologies, meticulously selected a 160-acre site in Mesa del Sol after an extensive nationwide search. Anticipated to have a significant economic impact, state leaders estimate a contribution of over $4 billion within the next decade.
This solar panel facility announcement comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s recent revelation of a new wind turbine manufacturing plant in New Mexico, showcasing 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, comparing its significance to the economic investment made by Intel in Rio Rancho over four decades ago.
Dr. Mulligan underlined the importance of reshoring solar cell manufacturing in the United States, as most of it currently occurs in Asia. This facility will play a role in revitalizing this industry within the country, supplying American-made products to American customers.
Construction on the nearly 2 million-square-foot facility is slated to commence early next year, with plans for full operation by the end of 2025. The factory will provide employment opportunities for 1,800 individuals with varying skill levels, with a focus on hiring New Mexicans.
Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque emphasized the impact of Maxeon’s presence in the city, stating that in conjunction with Netflix, the facility will contribute significantly to the overall growth of the city.
Once fully operational, the solar panel facility is expected to produce up to 8 million solar cells annually. This landmark development solidifies New Mexico’s position as a renewable energy leader, paving the way for positive change in the state.
This is great news for Albuquerque! Investing in renewable energy is a step towards sustainability and a greener future.
I’m excited to see Albuquerque taking the lead in renewable energy! This solar panel facility will not only create jobs but also reduce our carbon footprint.