Posted on Thu, Mar 08, 2012 @ 08:53 AM
Helios Solar Works harmed by Chinese industry’s illegal trade practices,
according to U.S. manufacturing coalition
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 8, 2012 – A founding partner of the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM) headquartered in Wisconsin today publicly declared its participation in CASM and its strong support for the trade cases. Led by SolarWorld, the seven-company coalition initiated the U.S. government’s investigation into China’s solar-industry trade practices to restore robust and fair industry competition and rekindle growth in American solar manufacturing and jobs.
“We have supported these trade cases from the beginning, and we are pleased to publicly declare that support,” said Steve Ostrenga, chief executive officer of Helios Solar Works, based in Milwaukee, Wis. “Our country can’t afford to give up manufacturing jobs in growth industries to nations that engage in illegal and harmful trade practices.”
Helios is among a dozen U.S. solar manufacturers that have been forced to downsize as a result of dumped and subsidized Chinese imports of solar cells and modules, according to CASM. But the company has fought to keep its production running and employees working. With 50 megawatts of annual capacity to manufacture solar panels, the company set up operations in a central Milwaukee industrial brown-field district that city leaders had designated for redevelopment and job growth.
“We believe the United States holds as much promise for manufacturing production and jobs as ever, especially in an industry with such potential to promote U.S. energy security, sustainability and economic growth,” said Brent Brucker, Helios’ general manager. “First we have to enforce world trade laws so that companies can compete on business essentials like production costs and product performance. Then we can go back to filling up our plants, hiring and truly competing.”
CASM includes more than 150 U.S. companies and nearly 15,000 workers that have joined together to stop what CASM characterizes as China’s state-sponsored solar industry from illegally subsidizing and dumping solar exports into the U.S. market at the expense of American manufacturing jobs. Until now, six of the seven founding CASM members have remained anonymous, a status that the U.S. Department of Commerce embraces to protect against business retaliation.
On Dec. 2, the U.S. International Trade Commission unanimously issued a preliminary ruling that Chinese trade practices are harming the U.S. domestic solar industry. The next step will be a preliminary determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce on March 19 (announced March 20) whether to levy countervailing import duties to offset the effects of any illegal Chinese subsidies. On Jan. 30, Commerce issued a preliminary ruling that Chinese importers have mounted a massive, evasive surge in Chinese imports ahead of possible import duties; the ruling means importers of record would have to post bonds or cash deposits on any tariffs not only on ensuing imports but also on imports back to late December.
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The Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing is made up of seven companies that manufacture solar cells and modules in the United States as well as more than 150 employers of nearly 15,000 workers who have registered their support for CASM’s case as associate members. These member companies have plants in nearly every region in the United States, including the Northwest and California, the Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and South and support several thousand U.S. manufacturing jobs. For details about CASM, go to www.americansolarmanufacturing.org; email media questions to media@americansolarmanufacturing.org; other questions or comments may be emailed to contact@americansolarmanufacturing.org.
Posted on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 10:39 AM
Foresight Group LLP (Foresight), the alternative asset manager and private equity house, is delighted to announce that funds managed by Foresight have acquired Sunstroom Energy Limited, the owner of a fully operating 5MW solar PV plant in Wiltshire, UK.
This acquisition is the tenth Solar PV project to be completed by Foresight in 2011. Foresight has been both an active fundraiser and investor in Solar energy, becoming the UKs largest tax-efficient manager of European Solar assets with just under 100 MW of operational Solar PV assets in UK, Italy and Spain.
Sunstroom Limited (part of the Vendor group) is to be retained as the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contractor to ensure a smooth hand-over of the asset.
Posted on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 @ 09:42 AM
Helios Solar Works announces it has passed the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) 9001:2008 factory audits, demonstrating the company's commitment to quality and customer service. The company, which began production in February of this year, achieved this in nine months, a major accomplishment.
Helios CEO Steve Ostrenga prioritized ISO 9001 certification from day one, and stated, "This proves that Helios is a tier one module manufacturer."
"This is a great milestone for both Helios and our customers" said John Kivlin, COO of Helios. "The rigor it takes to pass these standards speaks to our commitment to meet and improve upon quality requirements and ensure that customer satisfaction remains a core focus," continued Kivlin.
The ISO 9001:2008 standard mandates Quality Management System (QMS) requirements that guide an organization's actions for meeting and improving upon customer satisfaction and quality requirements. By establishing a QMS system, Helios has the process in place to continuously improve service and quality.
Helios Solar Works is Wisconsin's first manufacturer of high-performance solar modules for use in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-based solar electric systems. The company has been producing solar panels since February with panels already in four continents and over a dozen states.
Posted on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 @ 10:43 AM
Helios Solar Works announces the introduction of its 9T6 Series line of PV modules. The 9T6 Series is based on a 96-cell format, producing 420 watts per module, the most for any USA made crystalline module. The economics of these powerful modules leads to significant total system cost reductions for customers
Helios Solar Works, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of mono-crystalline PV modules, unveiled today its US-industry leading 9T6 Series (420 w) module at Solar Power International (SPI). The 9T6 features the same robust product design and warranty as the 6T Series (255w) and 7T2 Series (310w) modules in a larger 96-cell format. Helios expanded its product line to provide customers with a broader range of products to minimize their total system costs.
The introduction of this 420 watt module will expand the solar industry by reducing total system costs. The number of modules required for installation can potentially be reduced by as much as 50%, thus decreasing labor, racking and BOS requirements, and can be easily quantified using an estimating tool that Helios developed with EPCs and developers. Steve Ostrenga, CEO of Helios Solar Works, said “what we are seeing, depending on project size, are estimates of $0.10 to $0.40 savings per watt for our customers. Fewer modules means fewer connections, fewer grounds, less racking, wire, conduit and installation labor; this is where the savings is coming from – and our customers are getting excited when they run the numbers. The fewer electrical connections and roof penetrations will also result in lower life-cycle maintenance costs.”
Helios is the only US manufacturer currently producing modules of this power. Helios’ VP of Sales and Business Development, Mark W. Wilkerson adds, “we see this as a real competitive advantage for the company. Our customers are committed to buying American and the 9T6 gives them the ability to compete on a dollar per watt basis and stay with a top quality, domestic made module, it is pretty exciting.” Helios has already been taking orders for the 9T6 - the first modules are scheduled to ship in mid-November.
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About Helios USA
Helios Solar Works is a privately held manufacturer of industry leading photovoltaic crystalline solar modules for residential, commercial, industrial, utility and government sectors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Posted on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 @ 10:57 AM
Helios Solar Works announces its newest team member, Mark W. Wilkerson, as the new VP of Sales and Business Development. Mr. Wilkerson brings 29 years of solar experience to Helios as the company is ramping module production from its Milwaukee, WI headquarters.
Milwaukee, WI, Oct 16, 2011 – Mark W. Wilkerson joins Helios Solar Works as the new VP of Sales and Business Development. Mr. Wilkerson is beginning his 29th year in the photovoltaic industry. He began selling PV with one of the first three US PV distributors, Atlantic Solar of Baltimore, MD in 1983. After helping Atlantic Solar grow from zero to $20 Million in sales he joined SunWize Technologies in 1993. Mr. Wilkerson was salesman #2 and helped SunWize grow from $200K in initial annual revenue to $65 Million in annual revenue in. He was VP of Business Development for SunWize at that time.
Posted on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 @ 10:49 AM
Helios USA sets up in the heart of Milwaukee and celebrates the creation of green jobs.
Helios USA, LLC, a solar manufacturer located in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, announces the opening of its new manufacturing facility at 1207 West Canal Street. To mark the occasion, the company will host a ribbon-cutting event on February 28 at 3:30 p.m. to showcase its focus on renewable energy and the creation of green jobs in Milwaukee.
Posted on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 @ 11:23 AM
First Annual Census to Provide Unprecedented Analysis of Solar Labor Supply and Demand in the United States
Helios USA, LLC, a solar manufacturer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is pleased to announce that it is co-hosting a reception marking the release of the 2010 National Solar Jobs Census. The release reception, which is co-hosted by RenewableEnergyWorld.com, will take place October 13 during Solar Power International 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
The National Jobs Census gathers data on U.S. solar labor supply and demand for all types of jobs associated with the solar industry. The purpose of the census is to provide stakeholders with timely and credible information for better understanding the solar industry's labor market conditions and potential for growth.
The National Jobs Census is being conducted by The Solar Foundation in collaboration with Cornell University and with support from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Energy Power Association (SEPA).
"Helios USA believes the solar industry can be a catalyst for long-term economic and employment growth, particularly in manufacturing," explains Steve Ostrenga, Chief Executive Officer of Helios USA. "The release of the first National Jobs Census is an unprecedented opportunity for a comprehensive review of how well the industry is doing. More importantly, it will help us determine what we need to do in the future to ensure the solar industry achieves its full economic potential in the United States."
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About Helios USA
Helios USA, LLC manufactures high-performance solar modules for use in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-based solar electric systems. We use only high-end components and an advanced, automated manufacturing platform to offer modules that produce reliable power at a competitive price. All of our modules are manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
About the National Solar Jobs Census Release Party
The National Solar Jobs Census release party will take place Wednesday, October 13 from 8pm - 10pm at the JW Marriott at LA Live in Los Angeles, California. There is no charge for attendance.
For more information and to RSVP, please visit The Solar Foundation.
Posted on Thu, Jul 08, 2010 @ 09:59 AM
New Facility to Create Over 50 New Clean Energy Jobs in Wisconsin
Helios USA, LLC, a solar manufacturer, has decided to locate its first manufacturing facility in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. The facility, which will be fully operational by Q4 2010, will create over 50 new, permanent clean energy jobs in Wisconsin. Helios USA expects to begin hiring by late summer 2010.
Helios USA manufactures high-performance solar modules for use in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-based solar electric systems. The company's reliable, high-efficiency modules, backed by a generous warranty, create new market opportunities by making solar electricity more attractive and economical.
By locating its first manufacturing facility in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, Helios USA becomes the first solar module manufacturer in Wisconsin. The company is also contributing to the rejuvenation of the Menomonee Valley, a previously blighted industrial area right in the heart of Milwaukee.
"Helios USA believes that solar electricity can help meet global demand for clean, safe, and economical energy while also serving as a driving force for renewed American manufacturing strength," explains Steve Ostrenga, Chief Executive Officer. "With its commitment to renewable energy and tradition of manufacturing expertise, Milwaukee is the ideal location for Helios USA to pursue our vision."
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About Helios USA
Helios USA, LLC manufactures high-performance solar modules for use in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-based solar electric systems. We use only high-end components and an advanced, automated manufacturing platform to offer modules that produce reliable power at a competitive price.