Oct 27 2009
- Eastern Pa. Plant to Add Jobs, Increase Production of Sustainable Roofing Tiles -
SRS Energy, a leading developer of solar roofing products, has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, Pa. to support the production of its Sole Power Tile(TM) system, the first curved solar roofing tile designed to seamlessly integrate with Mission-style clay tile roofs.
"The opening of this facility enables SRS Energy to create 50 new jobs, and further positions us as a leader in the development and manufacturing of sustainable, high-quality solar roofing tiles," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy. "We are pleased to grow our operations and deliver aesthetically integrated, energy generating roofing solutions for residential, commercial and municipal buildings."
The 39,000-square-foot facility, located in Lower Providence Township near the company's headquarters in Philadelphia, will launch production by the first quarter of 2010. SRS Energy has engaged local contractors to renovate the facility and will maintain vendor relationships with local companies once the plant becomes operational.
A low-interest machinery and equipment loan and multiple grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania assisted SRS Energy in outfitting the new facility. SRS Energy received commitments for the state funding earlier this year. The money was part of a statewide initiative to invest in clean, sustainable technologies that will benefit both the environment and the economy.
The Sole Power Tile system, which will be produced at the new plant, is a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) tile that seamlessly integrates with several styles of US Tile's clay roofing tiles, providing renewable energy while preserving curb appeal. The product employs thin film solar technology, valued for its ability to convert a greater spectrum of light into electricity, as well as its relative insensitivity to heat when compared to other solar technologies.
SRS Energy and US Tile are currently launching the Sole Power Tile system in select West Coast markets, and will begin a nationwide rollout of the product in spring of 2010.