Ohio, “Buckeye State” may soon become the “Solar State.”
Many solar companies, including Isofoton and First Solar Inc., have opened up solar operations within the state.
Ohio has built its manufacturing base in glass and plastic films to support the automotive industry. This existing infrastructure is now being repurposed to create materials and products for solar photovoltaic technologies. This is key to new solar power technology development and the rapidly growing commercial success of Ohio's energy community.
"Ohio is becoming a national and international leader in the solar industry," says Rick Stansley, co-director of the Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization. "The state's long history as a manufacturing leader shows that we have the workforce and expertise to succeed in the evolving manufacturing sector and provide a world-class supply chain for the solar industry."
In support, the state's academic institutions are ready to meet the need for new technologies and skilled advanced energy workers through new research, degrees and training specific to the solar industry through programs such as The University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO).
Programs such as the state's Edison Technology Centers and Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization initiative (PVIC), a collaboration between The University of Toledo, The Ohio State University (OSU) and Bowling Green State University, have already been instrumental in advancing solar technology.
"Our intention is to advance to all corners of the North American marketplace from our Ohio base, including advanced research and development," says Angel Luis Serrano, CEO of Isofoton.