Solar jobs rising in Oregon

[depakid]

At least three big solar companies are considering Oregon for manufacturing plants that, along with the unannounced expansion of an existing project, could provide thousands of family-wage jobs.

The Oregonian has uncovered expansion plans and potential plants that would build the state into something of a Solar Forest, capitalizing on Oregon's expertise in silicon, an ingredient of both solar cells and semiconductors.

Government and business brokers of the potential deals -- including Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who recently hinted at imminent news -- refuse to name companies.

Recruiters use cloak-and-dagger terms in discussing the solar manufacturers eyeing Oregon: Project Ark. Project Harvester. And an especially big one, Project Tahoe.

SpectraWatt, an Intel spin-off about to break ground for a plant to make solar cells in Hillsboro, initially announced it would employ 135. Now, the company reveals a second phase -- there, or outside Oregon, depending partly on tax incentives -- that would boost its work force to about 1,000.

Out-of-state companies are considering Oregon for factories half again as big as the largest U.S. solar plant, which SolarWorld is completing in Hillsboro. A solar company -- clues point to a division of Japan's Sanyo Electric Group -- is also negotiating to build a plant in Salem, according to sources close to the project.

Economic development officials won't discuss any of the potential projects, citing confidentiality agreements and the possibility that publicity would scare off the companies.

"I'm not talking," said Bruce Laird, a state investment recruiter. "But if we can keep this thing rolling, I think in two years people are going to be quite amazed."

More: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/07/solar_jobs_rising_in_oregon.html