The new Cardinal Solar Technologies facility in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was officially opened on 1 September 2009 by Governor Jim Doyle, who also announced a USD 500,000 loan to Cardinal Glass Industrie…
The new Cardinal Solar Technologies facility in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was officially opened on 1 September 2009 by Governor Jim Doyle, who also announced a USD 500,000 loan to Cardinal Glass Industries, Portage, to upgrade photovoltaic glass capacity at that facility. “Wisconsin is poised to become a leader in the development and manufacture of renewable energy products,” Governor Doyle said. “Cardinal Solar Technologies is not only creating highly skilled “green“ jobs, it is also contributing significantly to America“s energy independence.” “For nearly 30 years, Cardinal Glass Industries has been producing glass products that help people conserve energy in their homes,” said Bob Bond, president of Cardinal Solar Technologies, “We are now able to apply many of these same manufacturing techniques to glass that will ultimately be used to help generate energy.” The new 180,000 sq.ft. facility, which is a leader in green construction, will grind, drill and temper two types of glass for use in photovoltaic solar panels, producing 64 million sq.ft. of tempered glass annually. The plant presently employs 54 workers, and will have the potential to add another 60-70 when it reaches full production. The heated water used the manufacturing process will be recycled through the floors to heat the office area, while heat from factory equipment will be used to warm the warehouse. Reflective floors have been installed to reduce the amount of artificial light needed in the plant, and the factory roof has been reinforced so as to support future installation of solar modules. This facility is the first of two phases, and another 80,000-sq.-ft. section is scheduled in the future.