Spire expands UNICOR solar cells manufacturing to 75MW capacity

(19/10/2009)

Spire Corporation has entered an agreement with UNICOR - Federal Prison Industries, Inc. to expand their current 25 megawatt (MW) module manufacturing capacity by the addition of a 50MW module manufacturing line to be located in Sheridan, Oregon.

UNICOR is a wholly-owned government corporation that is authorized to operate industries, such as solar PV factories, in federal correctional institutions throughout the United States. Spire’s module manufacturing allows inmates to gain substantial “green-collar” knowledge that is highly desired by employers. By expanding to a 75MW capacity, nearly 500 jobs have been created by Spire, which ultimately provides approximately 300 inmates with marketable job skills.

Spire and UNICOR have a strong relationship. Not only does Spire supply UNICOR with solar cells for the Spire-installed turnkey PV module factory in Otisville, New York, but the two companies recently entered into a teaming agreement for Federal Solar Systems. This collaboration strengthens Spire’s presence in the federal market and provides UNICOR with the engineering support needed to provide quality systems to their customer base.

“Spire is widely known for putting new companies into the solar PV business, but also known for allowing a company to evolve with the growth of their needs and the growth of the market,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “UNICOR demonstrated this by transitioning from an entry-level factory, to become an even more successful and higher capacity facility.”

UNICOR’s Julie Rozier, Public Information Officer said, “We look forward to working with Spire as we expand our operation. Spire’s module manufacturing lines provide a renewable energy source for our customers, and offers constructive, technical training and job skills experience for inmates.”

Related categories:  Solar power and photovoltaics