Arizona: Large solar manufacturer sizing up Chandler sites

From AZ Central:

A major solar manufacturing company that officials are comparing in size to Intel is looking at sites along the Price Road Corridor in Chandler, said Economic Development Director Christine Mackay.She and Barry Broome, president and chief executive of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council say the firm's decision to build in this area could have a significant positive impact on the Valley's economy.Among the sites being considered is the 153-acre Motorolaparcel near Price and Queen Creek roads, Mackay said.

Broome declined to name the company but described it as "one of the stars in the solar industry" and "the most exciting project GPEC has ever done." He compared the project's size and potential for high-paying jobs to Intel, the city's largest employer.Chandler is vying with Oregon for the location and could lose out if state lawmakers don't soon approve financial incentives for the solar industry in coming months, Broome said.He is proposing an incentive plan that includes property tax reductions and state income tax credits for qualifying solar companies. The idea stalled during the last legislative session, but Broome said he is working with Gov. Janet Napolitano to launch a major solar energy push in coming months....MORE