Senator spotlights SolarWorld as California renewable-energy past — and future
Camarillo, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2010) – California State Senator Tony Strickland returned to the California roots of the U.S. solar industry to cite the SolarWorld group as a state manufacturing mainstay that he envisions leading a state resurgence in green-technology jobs and energy self-reliance.
Speaking after a visit to SolarWorld’s 30-year-old solar power technology plant in Camarillo this month, the Republican from Simi Valley highlighted his co-authored bill (SBX8 22) to stimulate employment at green-technology companies by exempting their equipment products from sales tax.
“I believe the renewable energy industry can play a major role in returning California to economic prosperity,” the senator said. “I look forward to providing businesses like SolarWorld with the tools they need to create jobs and grow our economy.”
SolarWorld is the largest and most experienced U.S. manufacturer of solar technology. Its Camarillo site, which the company has fully modernized and automated in recent years, has manufactured solar modules since 1979. SolarWorld also manufactures in Hillsboro, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash.
After Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger advanced the concept of a sales tax exemption, Senator Strickland jointly authored SBX8 22 with Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from the San Fernando Valley. Renewable energy and job creation are central themes of Senator Strickland’s vision for returning California to prosperity. He represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Venture and Santa Barbara counties.
About SolarWorld AG
SolarWorld AG manufactures solar power systems and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The company, located in Bonn, employs approximately 3,000 people and carries out production in Freiberg, Germany, and Hillsboro, USA. From raw material silicon to the solar module, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including its own research and development. Through an international distribution network, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world with solar modules and complete systems. The company maintains high social standards at all locations across the globe, and has committed itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld has been publically traded on the stock market since 1999 and is quoted in the technology index TecDax. SolarWorld achieved sales of about one billion Euros for the fiscal year 2011. More information at www.solarworld-usa.com.
Media Contact:
Devon Cichoski
Media relations manager
SolarWorld Americas
4650 Adohr Lane
Camarillo, CA 93012
Mobile: 805-377-2905
Office: 805-388-6388
devon.cichoski(at)solarworld-usa.com