Philadelphia Navy Yard goes solar

    A major energy company will break ground on a new facility in South Philadelphia later this year.

    A major energy company will break ground on a new facility in South Philadelphia later this year.

    Listen:
    [audio: 091130tmnavyard.mp3]

    The half billion dollar facility to be built at the former Navy Yard will produce thin-film solar panels. While not as efficient as normal solar panels, they’re a cheaper alternative for businesses looking to go green. Governor Ed Rendell says the state is investing $50 million dollars to bring the new technology business to town.

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    Rendell: Once this facility is up and running this plant expects to produce enough thin-film modules to produce 160 megawatts of electricity. To give you a frame of reference and put this number in context, 160 megawatts generate enough power to serve more than 20,000 homes.

    Philadelphia won out over sites in Michigan and New York. The company is expected to employ 400 people to start at the facility.

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