Suntech, a Chinese solar-tech company scouts Oregon sites

Suntech, a Chinese company considering Oregon as a manufacturing site, would make solar panels here, rounding out the state’s sun sector.

Oregon already has companies that make solar silicon, wafers and cells. Suntech’s U.S. factory, wherever it lands, would slice wafers into cells and assemble panels, the modules typically installed on roofs to collect solar energy.

"Oregon’s definitely on the list," said Steve Chadima, vice president of external affairs in Suntech Power Holdings Co.’s U.S. branch. "There’re maybe at most half a dozen places that are on the list. Your folks have been very assertive in a very positive way."

by Richard Read, The Oregonian

Full Story: http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/05/chinese_solar_giant_considers.html