Vitro Architectural Glass plans to expand its Wichita Falls, Texas, location for solar glass production after securing $67 million in government funds.
It will have capacity to produce up to 25 million patterned solar glass lites upon completion.
It received a $67.6 million investment tax credit allocation from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to enable the investment.
The Wichita Falls expansion will establish a new patterned solar glass facility, including a furnace, a roll-forming chamber and a cooling and production line.
Adrian Sada, Vitro CEO, said the Wichita Falls location had the necessary infrastructure, supply chain, glass operations and maintenance expertise to support current architectural glass production and a new patterned solar glass facility.
The expansion is expected to create 290 full-time jobs.
Vitro is in discussions with US-based solar photovoltaic module manufacturers about sourcing patterned its solar glass.
"Current partners and potential clients are enthusiastic about supporting the production of patterned solar glass made in America,” said Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural Glass.
“Sourcing this crucial component for solar modules domestically will reduce supply chain complexities and ensure product delivery reliability.
"This will also help US installers meet the requirements for the Domestic Content Bonus of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).”
