美國能源部向Abound Solar 公司提供4億美元的貸款,并且承諾7年還清,Abound Solar此舉是為了擴(kuò)大其太陽能組件制造生產(chǎn)量。
Abound Solar將利用美國能源部的資金,在現(xiàn)有生產(chǎn)光伏組件生產(chǎn)工廠基礎(chǔ)上增加其薄膜產(chǎn)量和建立第二個(gè)生產(chǎn)廠,這將給美國科羅拉多州和印第安納州創(chuàng)造超過1200個(gè)高科技的工作,同時(shí)為美國和國際都降低太陽能開銷成本。
自2007年Abound Solar開始給企業(yè)和私人股本2億元的資本風(fēng)險(xiǎn)投資,在美國科羅拉多州興建第一條生產(chǎn)線并開始商業(yè)運(yùn)作。Abound Solar預(yù)期用1億美元去更新擴(kuò)大現(xiàn)存的Longmont設(shè)施,使其到2011年年底達(dá)到每年產(chǎn)200兆瓦。
Abound Solar has announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has offered a conditional commitment to the company for a $400 million, seven-year loan guarantee to expand its solar module manufacturing capabilities.
Abound Solar will use the DOE funds to increase production of its thin-film photovoltaic modules at an existing manufacturing plant and to establish a second manufacturing plant that will create more than 1,200 high-tech jobs in Colorado and Indiana, while driving down the cost of solar power for its United States and international customers.
Abound Solar has raised approximately $200 million in venture capital and private equity since 2007, built its first production line in Longmont, Colo. and begun commercial operations. Abound anticipates using $100 million of the loan proceeds to increase the capacity of its existing Longmont facility to 200 megawatts per year by the end of 2011.
The company plans to invest the balance of the guaranteed loan to support the construction of a larger manufacturing facility in Tipton, Ind. When both plants are complete, Abound Solar will be able to produce more than 840 megawatts of solar modules annually.
"The DOE loan guarantee program is essential to helping companies like Abound Solar scale-up innovations in photovoltaic manufacturing that are critical to reducing the cost of alternative energy," said Tom Tiller, Abound Solar President and CEO.
"When Abound opened its first manufacturing plant in 2009, we committed to providing high-performing, lower-cost modules to our customers; DOE is helping us keep that promise. The proceeds of this loan will build on the momentum we have already established and confidently expand our operations."
"The company received broad support of its application from customers, suppliers, and political representatives," said Steve Abely, Abound Solar CFO.
"State and Local representatives from both Colorado and Indiana were particularly instrumental in our efforts to secure the loan guarantee to create more high-paying jobs in America, and ensure that our nation will continue to be a global driver of renewable, affordable and abundant solar energy."