Spire Solar of IL, US, world's top photovoltaic factory maker

Spire Solar Equipment - Spire Solar, Inc. is the leading supplier of photovoltaic ("PV") module manufacturing equipment and turnkey production lines worldwide. During almost three decades in the solar electric energy industry, Spire Solar has acquired substantial intellectual property, expertise and experience in advanced PV module manufacturing and process technology. Spire Solar's equipment is in use in more than 140 facilities in 42 countries, helping to lower the costs of making solar modules from cells. In the United States, Spire Solar Chicago uses its own advanced PV assembly equipment as an enabling technology to fabricate its own solar modules and PV systems.

Spire Solar Systems - The Spire Solar Systems business unit is focused on providing distributed power generation through photovoltaic technology. The business unit's principal operating entity is Spire Solar Chicago ("SSC"), a full-service solar electric energy entity providing grid-connected PV systems in the Chicago region. SSC was established in 1999 with assistance from the City of Chicago, the local utility ComEd and the State of Illinois. SSC's mission is to provide the Chicago area with a reliable source of clean, renewable energy and skilled jobs, as well as to increase public awareness of the benefits of so-called green power.

Solar Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity, is a rapidly growing technology and increasingly important source of power. Spire Corporation is the world's leading supplier of the manufacturing equipment and technology needed to manufacture solar photovoltaic power. Spire's manufacturing equipment and SPI-LINE turn-key production lines are designed to meet the needs of everyone from small manufactures relying on mostly manual processes to the largest photovoltaic manufacturing companies in the world. In fact, more than 90% of the photovoltaic modules on the market today were made using Spire equipment and production lines.

Spire's mission is to help our customers capitalize on growing markets for solar energy by offering the highest quality products and unparalleled support.

Spire also offers a full range of services including solar cell and module materials supply, management and marketing support and systems design and engineering. Of course, all of Spire's products and services come standard with our unparalleled customer support.

Whether Spire is helping establish a new photovoltaic business in the developing world, or researching new technologies and processes for high volume production, our staff of internationally recognized experts never forgets that we are only as successful as our customers.

Spire Solar Chicago

A new business unit of Spire Corporation, Spire Solar Chicago, provides clients in the Chicago metropolitan area with photovoltaic (PV) systems to meet their demand for solar electricity. The business is a vertically integrated manufacturing and system design company whose team of experienced professionals offers complete project management, installation, and customer service.

Through collaboration with the City of Chicago Department of Environment and ComEd (an Exelon Company), Spire Solar Chicago has developed commitments that total approximately $8 million in PV systems. In addition, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) has a generous renewable energy subsidy program that funds up to 60% of an installed PV systemÕs cost. Spire Solar Chicago provides its customers with grant application services, as well as utility interconnect service, to take advantage of this progressive subsidy program.

One series of projects under way is the installation of 10-kilowatt (kW) solar power systems on the roofs of up to 10 schools in the Chicago Public School system. Frank W. Reilly Elementary School at 3650 West School Street was the first to receive their system in December of 1999. Installations in 2001 took place at Brentano, Frazier, Douglas, Bouchet, and Taylor schools. Larger projects have been completed on a ComEd North Side Commercial Center (25 kW) and a municipal building, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Musuem of the Chicago Academy of Sciences (30 kW).

Spire Solar Chicago has a business partnership with BP Solar for acquisition of manufacturing materials and has assisted BP in its local systems design. The start-up company also utilizes the products and services of many Chicago area suppliers and contractors. Local inspectors and electricians have been trained through special PV code workshops to increase their knowledge and opportunities in this growing field.

"The early and substantial interest on the part of our customers in Chicago to have PV as soon as possible is a very encouraging sign of the market potential in the Chicago area," said Roger G. Little, Spire Corporation President and CEO. "Our new Chicago office will ensure that we offer our customers the highest quality systems and timeliest service possible."

Spire Solar Chicago is located at the new Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT), 445 North Sacramento Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60612. The CCGT is designed to meet the highest energy efficiency and environmental building standards.

Founded in 1969, Spire Corporation is the world's leading supplier of photovoltaic manufacturing equipment, turnkey production lines, and solar energy businesses.


Learn more at SpireSolar.com