July 7, 2008--SVTC Technologies , the independent semiconductor process-development foundry, announced that its SVTC Solar business unit has launched the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center. The center will provide the burgeoning solar industry with the infrastructure--including development equipment, support, and engineering services--required to create and commercialize innovative solar-energy products.

Agreements have been signed with leading photovoltaic (PV) industry suppliers to provide key services through the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, and the center has accepted its first solar manufacturing customers. Corporate investment so far is estimated at $20 million to $30 million.

In addition, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency has invested in the new PV development center, which it sees as an important element in the city of San Jose's Green Vision initiatives.

For related articles on the solar energy industry, see:

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--VC

Mon Jul 07 13:12:00 CDT 2008