COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A California company plans to open a solar cell manufacturing plant in South Carolina that will hire 60 people initially.
The State newspaper reported Thursday that AQT Solar of Sunnyvale, Calif., plans to spend $300 million to build the plant in Blythewood, 15 miles north of Columbia.
The newspaper reports AQT plans to hire 60 people by the end of the year and manufacturing of the cells should start next year. The cells convert sunlight into electricity.
The newspaper said employment could reach 1,000 by 2014.
Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor says the move will put South Carolina in a more positive light on alternative energy.
Richland County has agreed to charge reduced property taxes for the next 20 years.
Details of state incentives have not been released.
The State newspaper reported Thursday that AQT Solar of Sunnyvale, Calif., plans to spend $300 million to build the plant in Blythewood, 15 miles north of Columbia.
The newspaper reports AQT plans to hire 60 people by the end of the year and manufacturing of the cells should start next year. The cells convert sunlight into electricity.
The newspaper said employment could reach 1,000 by 2014.
Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor says the move will put South Carolina in a more positive light on alternative energy.
Richland County has agreed to charge reduced property taxes for the next 20 years.
Details of state incentives have not been released.
