Declares New Mexico "Solar Valley" of United States

01-12-2010, SCHOTT North America

Governor Bill Richardson Issues Green Economy Executive Order from SCHOTT Solar's Albuquerque HQ

Declares New Mexico "Solar Valley" of United States
January 12, 2010 (Albuquerque, NM) - SCHOTT Solar today hosted a press event where New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issued an Executive Order to spur the development of the state's renewable energy economy to make New Mexico the center of the North American solar energy industry.

"Governor Richardson has a long history of energy leadership, dating from the time he was Secretary of Energy," said Dr. Gerald Fine, President and CEO of SCHOTT Solar and SCHOTT North America. "That he chose to sign this renewable energy declaration at SCHOTT Solar underlines the importance he and the state of New Mexico place on the contributions solar power can bring to this country."

SCHOTT Solar inaugurated its Albuquerque manufacturing facility in May 2009 with an initial investment of over $100 million in the Albuquerque region. The company has already created more than 300 green-collar jobs at the facility, which is the world's first production site for both utility-scale CSP receivers and PV modules.

"SCHOTT Solar is a healthy example of the type of industry New Mexico needs to lead the nation in renewable energy growth," said Governor Richardson. "We have the workforce, we have the technology, and we will continue to pursue companies such as SCHOTT solar to make New Mexico the "Solar Valley" of the United States."

New Mexico is fast becoming a global leader in renewable energy innovation. Abundant renewable energy resources, world-class clean tech research, a ready-built skilled workforce, attractive incentives and low business costs have all led companies like SCHOTT Solar to choose to do business in the state.

For more on the Governor's Executive Order, visit: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/index2.php