GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Suntech Power Holdings plans its first U.S. solar manufacturing plant in Goodyear.
Gov. Jan Brewer joined Suntech executives in Phoenix on Wednesday to announce the plant during the Arizona Solar Manufacturing Symposium.
Suntech -- which bills itself as the world's largest photovoltaic module manufacturer -- says the Goodyear factory will employ more than 70 workers when it opens.
Manufacturing is expected to begin in September.
Suntech becomes one of the first companies eligible in Arizona under the new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive program, which provides refundable tax credits and property tax reductions for manufacturers.
Suntech's chief strategy officer, Steven Chan, says a factory in the United States will reduce the time, cost and greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping solar panels from overseas.
