Solar jobs coming to Dan River Region

Danville and Pittsylvania County beat out stiff competition to attract hundreds of green energy jobs and the next wave of American manufacturing — solar products.

United States Green Energy Corporation — a solar building products company — announced Friday it would move its headquarters and operations to Cane Creek Centre in Ringgold. The company plans to invest $30 million and create 372 jobs within three years.

“We hope to create jobs, develop our products and help to make the world a better place with more affordable energy for our grandchildren,” said USGE President George Peterson.

The Dan River Region had the manufacturing background, hands-on training and mindset U.S. Green Energy was looking for, company leaders said.

For the past year, Green Energy was looking at other sites in Virginia and in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The company formed last year and located temporarily in Fredericksburg.

What cinched the deal was a Virginia Tobacco Commission grant for $1.6 million, said Robert Bennett, vice president of corporate development.

“The vision of the Danville Pittsylvania area fits with ours,” Bennett said. “What we really like about this area is it’s not only talking the talk, it’s walking the walk.”

Green Energy repeatedly complimented the way city and county leaders worked together.

“This is just a fine example of why we are in this job of economic development,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, member of the Tobacco Commission. “We’re trying to help bring these jobs back.”

Green Energy plans to move into 40,000 square feet at 500 Cane Creek Parkway. The company plans to finish renovations — including adding a solar roof — by the end of the first quarter next year. Hiring would start in the first quarter and full production would begin by June.

Annual employee wages range from $31,500 for entry-level positions up to $150,000 for executive positions.

The company manufactures building products that integrate photovoltaic solar cells for use in roofs or siding, for example. Green Energy has 20 products in various stages of development, with its AllRoof solar slates currently on the market. 

The idea is to make affordable and aesthetically pleasing solar electric generation systems for commercial and residential buildings.

Green Energy intends to be a materials supplier to distributors and dealers. The company is already in late negotiations with two companies in the area, Bennett said.

The Tobacco Commission money will buy equipment and the company plans to use local vendors and machine shops as much as possible, Bennett said.

Currently, the solar cells used in the building products come from China, but Green Energy would eventually like to use 100 percent American-made materials, Bennett added.

Danville Mayor Sherman Saunders said the project adds another puzzle piece for developing a cluster of sustainable energy businesses in the region.

City Manager Joe King said the city would try to help generate a local market for Green Energy’s products, including using the solar products on city buildings when possible.

Danville Utilities would allow for net metering so homeowners could get credit for feeding energy to the grid, which could help with peak load and reduce residents’ utility costs, King said.

Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, said the project bridges the region’s textile and furniture history to the new green energy industry. The federal government also helps the transition to a green energy economy through green incentive programs and tax credits.

“These jobs of tomorrow are coming to Southside Virginia today,” Perriello said.