Spanish solar firm invests in Windsor

A Spanish solar company is setting up shop in Windsor, Ont.

Siliken Renewable Energy announced plans Friday to establish an $8-million plant in a vacant building where it will make solar energy panels capable of producing 50 megawatts of energy every year.

The company said the plant should create 175 jobs, with production beginning in the first half of 2011.

Company president Carlos Navarro said Windsor is an ideal location in part because of its skilled workers who have a background in the automotive industry.

Navarro said the company's home base, Valencia, Spain, also has a workforce experienced in the auto industry.

The company is still in negotiations for the actual site of the plant, which will be its second in North America after one in San Diego.