GE to build PV plant in Colorado

GE announced plans to build the largest solar plant in the United States to produce its PrimeStar line of photovoltaic panels. A company press release said GE anticipates the new factory in Aurora, Colo., will employ 355 workers and will start production in 2012, with commercial availability in 2013. When complete, the new solar factory will highlight a $600 million investment in GE's solar business.

GE said in the press statement that the solar panels produced at the new factory will be more efficient, lighter weight and larger than conventional thin film panels, and that these lighter panels will facilitate easier installation and enable important applications including commercial rooftops. Larger-sized panels help to lower total system cost by reducing the amount of racking and electrical components required. Details