Sydney Olympic Park. SilexSolar ceases

Silex Solar, Australia's only manufacturer of solar panels, has suspended manufacturing operations at Sydney Olympic Park, just months after discontinuing production of its in-house manufactured solar cells and the loss of about 30 manufacturing jobs. The Sydney Morning Herald states the park’s facility, previously a BP solar panel manufacturing plant, has ceased production operations and 45 jobs have been lost. The company said Chinese imports, the high dollar and a lack of support from state and federal governments were the reasons.

Sydney Olympic Park. Solar cell production

Silex Solar, at Sydney Olympic Park, the only Australian company, which manufactures solar cells, is closing this part of its operations, with the loss of 30 jobs... The company will continue to make solar PV panels, using imported components. “I would like to make it clear that the changes made are to secure Silex Solar’s long-term future and to remain a key player in the Australian PV panel market,” said CEO, Craig Menzies.

Sydney Olympic Park. Silex Solar opens plant

The Minister for State and Regional Development, Ian Macdonald, officially opened Silex Solar’s solar panel manufacturing facility, at Sydney Olympic Park, in the former premises of BP Solar. Mr Macdonald said Silex Solar would use the facility for the commercial-scale manufacture of high performance solar cells and modules. In addition to the manufacturing capabilities, facility was home to R&D and testing facilities, engineering workshops, a purpose-built warehouse to cater for raw and finished goods, and sales and administration offices. Mr Macdonald said the company was the only significant Australian-owned manufacturer of solar cells and panels, and it expected to double its workforce to around 100 people by the end of 2010.