12.28.2007 

HelioVolt, an Austin-based company which produces sunlight-converting, ultra thin 'film' modules and materials for implementation in metals, plastic, glass and other materials that can be integrated into the construction of buildings, has announced its decision to locate its first full-scale solar manufacturing plant in Austin.

HelioVolt plans to invest $80 million to create 150 new jobs and launch a new facility at the Expo Business Park in Southeast Austin just one mile from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). Founder and CEO B.J. Stanbery says they anticipate the company moving in next year upon finalization of city permits and that the factory should be producing prototypes in the late fall 2008, with full production expected by 2009.

“As HelioVolt moves into the next phase of production here in Austin, we look forward to contributing to the economic growth of our home city with new highly skilled jobs and expanded manufacturing in the increasingly critical field of solar energy,” said Stanbery. “Austin is busy securing its position as a world-class hub of clean energy innovation; a powerful opportunity for synergies has emerged here, and HelioVolt is proud to be involved in the early stages of what will no doubt grow to be a thriving new clean tech community.”

There are now close to 46 clean energy companies in Central Texas that are engaged in developing all kinds of technology from solar to wind, biomass, geothermal, biofuels, power storage, solid state lighting, carbon capture and grid management.

John Langdon, Class of 2002, is the VP of Marketing for HelioVolt.

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