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Solar company bypasses Nampa, picks Denver for plant

 - Statesman staff

Published: 10/26/09


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Nampa was one of two finalists for the manufacturing plant planned by German solar manufacturing firm SMA Solar Technology AG.

"We are disappointed," said Paul Hiller, executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, a unit of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. "But the Boise Valley was in the running until the last minute, and the decision for SMA was a very difficult one."

SMA selected Denver because of its proximity to suppliers who provide the materials used in the manufacture of solar inverters, Hiller said Monday. Solar inverters change direct current from photovoltaic arrays into alternating current.

Officials said previously that the plant eventually could employ 1,200 people.

The Treasure Valley competed well by having an abundant, skilled workforce, low electric power costs, available real estate, a business-friendly environment and a favorable quality of life, he said.

The company considered a 200,000-square-foot building owned by Micron Technology that used to house MPC Computers.

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