Ohio’s Solar Energy Industry

[irishbobcat]

Does anyone care about bringing new manufacturing companies and jobs from renewable energy sources except me?

Or do you just want to sit around and listen to gunshots being fired from all over the city of Youngstown all day?

[Why?Town]

Why is Western Ohio benefiting from Solar Power but the Mahoning Valley is as dead as a doorknob in pursuing the same types of jobs and manufacturing? Could it be we have no leadership in Columbus or Washington?

In Xunlight's case, it could be that the development of their technology occurred at the University of Toledo.

Why UT instead of YSU?

How could our leaders in Columbus or Washington change that?

[irishbobcat]

Ohio's Solar Energy Industry
Solar power has the potential to be a significant part of Ohio's energy future, and Ohio is already home to more than 115 companies and research institutions involved in the solar energy industry.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has proven to be a bright spot in the global economy.  For the past 15 years, the industry has experienced annual growth rates of 30 to 40 percent.   Global solar PV installations grew from 125 MW in 1999 to 4,500 MW in 2008, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 47 percent for the last 10 years.    Looking ahead, most industry observers expect continued 20+% annual growth in the PV markets for many years to come.

One of the largest contributors to this market growth, First Solar, was founded in Perrysburg, Ohio, where it maintains its R&D headquarters and a major manufacturing facility.  In 2008, First Solar was the fourth largest producer of solar PV panels in the world.

In addition to solar PV, energy from the sun can be harnessed through two other technologies. Solar hot water heaters and concentrating solar technology are additional ways to take advantage of the suns energy. Solar hot water heating systems use the energy of the sun to heat the water that is used in homes, businesses and industries. These systems work well in Ohio, and there are many installed throughout the state already.

Concentrating solar plants (CSPs) use mirrors to angle rays of sun in such a way that will heat liquid to about 400° Celsius. This generates steam to drive an engine and create electricity. CSP plants installed on just 9 percent of the land area of Nevada – the area contained by a square 100 miles to a side – could produce enough electricity to power the entire United States. While CSP technology is not currently viable for Ohio, our businesses are still able to supply the component parts that are needed to develop this technology.
Ohio's Solar Energy Job Growth Potential
Due to the state's historical involvement in the glass industry and its strong manufacturing base, many Ohio businesses have already become part of the solar photovoltaic supply chain.  The supply chain for the PV industry includes manufacturers and system integrators in semiconducting materials, glass, polymers, thin film coating machines, metal extrusion and stamping, power electronics, roll-to-roll fabrication, and system design and installation. 

Ohio's solar industry is already a major employer, particularly in northwest Ohio.  There are 115 companies and research institutions involved in developing solar energy in Ohio. These companies range from small family-run solar installation companies, to businesses that employ nearly 700 people.  Additionally, the solar industry in Ohio has grown so rapidly that companies are continuing to expand in order to keep pace.  In 2008 Xunlight Corp., based in Toledo, quadrupled its workforce from twenty to eighty employees.
Solar Energy Employment Sectors
Employment sectors that would increase in demand with an investment in solar power include, but are not limited to, the following:

•    Carpenters
•    Materials suppliers including glass, plastic, metal, chemicals, sealants, etc.
•    Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
•    Electricians
•    HVAC mechanics and installers
•    Inspectors, testers, and sorters
•    Machinists
•    Sheet metal workers
•    Business operations specialists
•    Chemical technicians
•    Civil engineers
•    Computer and IT managers
•    Computer programmers
•    Environmental engineers
•    Mechanical engineers
•    Payroll and timekeeping clerks
•    Purchasing agents
•    Sales representatives
•    Surveyors
•    Training and development specialists
•    Tool and die makers
•    Shipping and receiving clerk
An Ohio Solar Story
Founded by legendary solar inventor Harold McMaster as a start-up company at the University of Toledo's business incubator in the 1980's, the company now known as First Solar manufactures thin film solar modules in Perrysburg, Ohio. First Solar has gained recognition as the largest manufacturer of thin film solar modules in the United States.  Additionally, they have been able to achieve the lowest manufacturing cost per watt in the industry.
Based on surging demand for its products, First Solar announced plans for a 500,000 square foot expansion of its Perrysburg plant which currently employs 690 people.  Upon completion in 2010, the Perryburg facility will comprise more than 900,000 square feet and employ over 840 associates. The company also plans a global expansion with plants to be built in Europe and Asia. 

Why is Western Ohio benefiting from Solar Power but the Mahoning Valley is as dead as a doorknob in pursuing the same types of jobs and manufacturing? Could it be we have no leadership in Columbus or Washington?
Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Greens
Ohio Green Party
www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/