Silicon Energy Begins Solar Module Production and Showcases Products at Minnesota State Fair's Eco Experience Exhibit
Craftsmanship, Attractiveness and Versatility Stand Out in Carport Display of Solar Modules

ST. PAUL, MN, August 26, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Silicon Energy MN, LLC, a manufacturer of world-class solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the North American market, is providing attendees of the Minnesota State Fair's Eco Experience exhibit an up-close look at its Cascade PV System. These new solar modules feature glass on glass construction and a mounting system that safely encloses the wiring and allows for a variety of applications including the displayed carport installation. The company is a major partner of the Eco Experience exhibit and the region's newest manufacturer of PV systems.

"We are proud to be one of the major partners of this important exhibit and participate as a local producer of solar products with an eye-catching PV display that will appeal to a variety of users," said Gary Shaver, president, Silicon Energy. "Our goal is to make solar a mainstream energy source with a system that offers versatile installation options, provides a durable, safe and effective solution for energy harvest, and supports the local economy and the environment with smart manufacturing practices."

Silicon Energy's solar carport installation features its signature Cascade PV System that uses an attractive architectural bronze-colored mounting system with 15 solar modules, which would generate enough electricity for 50-60 percent of a house, depending on energy usage, or enough energy to power an electric vehicle. This unique installation option sets Silicon Energy apart from its competition, allowing customers to use its system for traditional roof installations as well as awnings, windows, carports, patio covers, and bus shelters.

Silicon Energy's new, multi-million dollar PV manufacturing plant is located in the Northeastern Minnesota community of Mountain Iron in the Mountain Iron Renewable Energy Park, a new site dedicated to the development and promotion of businesses that specialize in sustainable and renewable energy, created through a partnership with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, both state agencies.

Minnesotans are being enticed to use solar to generate electricity on several fronts, including research indicating that their geographic location and climate make solar an excellent resource choice; studies proving that PV systems perform better in cooler weather; and most importantly, the State's passing of a solar rebate incentive program to make solar more affordable, with an estimated payback of 5-7 years. For consumers to be eligible for the Minnesota solar rebate program, they must reside in the Xcel Energy service territory, they must be eligible for Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program, and they must purchase solar systems that are made in Minnesota. With these incentives for the consumer, the solar industry promises to revitalize the local economy with new jobs and a visionary use of renewable energy.

The solar PV modules produced by Silicon Energy at the Mountain Iron plant are UL 1703 certified by ETL and are eligible for these incentives. Silicon Energy also currently manufactures its PV system in Marysville, Washington to serve its growing customer base. The company's new manufacturing plant in Mountain Iron will also support increasing demand for PV products throughout the U.S.

The energy-efficient plant features strategic window placement for increased use of natural lighting and top of the line manufacturing equipment to create the PV modules in a non-toxic, quiet and safe environment. The plant will offset a portion of its energy usage through the use of its own PV modules once the south side awning installation is completed, and install shading over windows that will reduce air conditioning costs. Silicon Energy will hire up to 25 new employees by the year's end to staff the plant, and potentially more depending on market response and economic conditions.

"We're thrilled to be entering the Minnesota marketplace with a trusted product that enables customers to create their own clean energy, support their local economy and contribute to improving the environment," closed Shaver.

Silicon Energy's carport display is located in the heart of Green Crossing. For more information on the Fair's Eco Experience, please visit its Website at www.pca.state.mn.us.

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