The Daily Tell

Governor Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania announced this week that Greek solar panel producer Heliosphera will build a manufacturing facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in a partnership that is expected to create 400 new jobs and attract millions of dollars from private investors.

The agreement came after a $49 million offer from the state, coordinated by the governor and funded by various grants and loans. Rendell said the project would support Pennsylvania’s green economy and help establish the state as a leader in solar technology and development.

"This was a very competitive project and Heliosphera’s decision to locate this exciting facility at the Navy Yard speaks volumes about Pennsylvania’s efforts to build a competitive economic climate," said Rendell.

Pennsylvania currently has more than 1,300 solar projects underway that are expected to bring the state’s total solar capacity to almost 60 megawatts once completed, enough power to support 7,200 homes. This will multiply the state’s solar capacity 15 fold within the space of two years.

At his announcement, the governor urged state lawmakers to raise alternative energy standards enacted in 2004 by passing a bill that would increase the share electric companies must obtain from solar energy to 3 percent by 2026, up from 0.5 percent by 2020.

"Solar is the fastest-growing source of electric generation in the world. With this and other solar projects underway across the state, we’re making a statement that we intend to be a leader in that growth," said Rendell.

Rendell was first elected as governor in 2002, and won reelection in 2006. His Going Greener II environmental initiative was passed by Pennsylvania voters in 2005, and called for $625 million in spending for environmental cleanups, open space preservation and alternative energy development.