New solar cell plant brings largest ever investment to River Ridge in Jeffersonville - WLKY Louisville

Solar cell plant brings largest ever investment River Ridge in Jeffersonville

New solar cell plant brings largest ever investment to River Ridge in Jeffersonville

Canadian Solar's announcement that it's opening a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Jeffersonville marks the largest single investment at the River Ridge Commerce Center and officials say it could help bring even more development.

The company will be investing $800 million in the project and creating 1,200 new jobs including 150 engineers.

The announcement also marks the first company focused on renewable energy to move into to the complex.

"It's a dynamic new sector for us, and we're really excited to be a part of it and a player," said River Ridge Development Authority executive director Jerry Acy.

Acy says there have already been discussions with other potential renewable energy companies, especially those specializing in electric vehicles. He believes this announcement will help generate even more interest in the site.

"Clark County, southern Indiana, is growing faster overall than the Louisville Metro, and all you have to do is drive around, and you'll see the apartment complexes and homes going up," Acy said.

According to Acy, population growth was a key factor in Canadian Solar's decision to locate in Jeffersonville.

"We're competing globally with international companies to draw them to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and we keep winning," said Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore.

Moore also believes Jeffersonville is primed for even more development and believes this announcement will even further boost the momentum.

"That's a huge shot in the arm for us because it tells us that people outside of this area recognize what's going on here," Moore said.

Production is expected to begin at the Jeffersonville facility by the end of next year. They expect it will take about two to three years to become fully operational.