Solar manufacturer itek Energy will open a new plant in Minneapolis to produce advanced photovoltaic modules for residential and commercial systems.
The facility will begin output in early 2015.
Founded in 2009 in Bellingham, Wash., itek Energy has seen outstanding growth thanks to continued reinvest- ment in the latest solar manufacturing technology, both in equipment and materials.
The company produced 2.1 megawatts of solar capacity in 2012, 4.0 megawatts in 2013, and will produce 12.2 megawatts by the end of this year. Production in 2015 is expected to double again, reaching 25-35 megawatts at the Bellingham, Wash., facility.
Itek is now a leading solar manufacturer and employer in Washington state, with a workforce of 72, a payroll of more than $2.5 million and an experienced engineering, operations and management team at its 40,000 sq. ft. campus.
Continuous production efficiencies and simultaneous business growth have allowed itek to cut costs to its customers, steadily driving down the price of Washington-built solar equipment.
The new Minneapolis facility, being developed with a local partner, is expected to open with a 2-3 megawatt production capacity.
The in-state production will allow Minnesota consumers to access incentives that reward purchase of solar equipment manufactured in their own state. Similar incentives in Washington state have propelled strong consumer demand for solar products and a growing in-state solar manufacturing industry.