Politics & Government
Solar Panel Plant Brings Energy Secretary, Governor to Milpitas
The new SunPower-Flextronics solar panel plant had a dedication on Tuesday. It was also the site for the signing of a renewable energy bill by Governor Brown.
The U.S. energy secretary and governor headed the guest list for the dedication at SunPower's first full-scale domestic solar panel manufacturing plant in Milpitas earlier Tuesday.
The plant is a result of a partnership between San Jose-based SunPower and Milpitas-based Flextronics.
During the program, Gov. Jerry Brown by a third by the end of 2020.
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The message was loud and clear.
"Policy leads to a market, which leads to jobs," said Thomas Werner, president and CEO of San Jose-based SunPower Corp.
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In one year, solar panels from a new manufacturing plant in Milpitas have the potential to produce enough electricity to power about 25,000 homes, said Dr. Richard Swanson, president emeritus of SunPower Corp.
Hundreds of attendees arrived at Building nine, housed on the Flextronics campus on Gilbraltar Drive as a result of a partnership between the two companies, to see assembly workers putting the panels together.
The plant began its testing phase starting in mid-December and has now resumed normal production, according to general manager Zahid Hussain. More than 100 workers are employed as technicians, engineers and operators, he said.
It is not known yet how many of the jobs went to Milpitas residents. Mayor Jose Esteves said the city will get the numbers in a report.
The city's redevelopment agency is in the process of loaning a total of $2.5 million for both companies, according to Economic Development Manager Diana Barnhart. She and Mayor Esteves both attended the event.
"It's the best occasion for Milpitas ..." he said. "As mayor, I'm really very satisfied to have the opportunity [for jobs and development] right here in Milpitas."
The U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu also took the opportunity to announce an offer for the San Jose-based SunPower Corp. to receive a $1.2 billion conditional loan from the Department of Energy for a project in Southern California.
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