Confluence Solar M.I.A.?

The KNS questions whether the investment and jobs announced likely to come from Confluence Solar will ever materialize.

Tennessee nurtures Confluence startup

Economic & Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber tells Larisa Brass of the KNS how and why the State committed incentives to a Solar-sector start-up, Confluence Solar, when the state typically tries to lure more established companies with larger workforces. The KNS has it. Meanwhile, the Confluence sales team is working the field for charter customers for their silicon materials, used in photovoltaics.

Confluence Solar benefits reported

The KNS reports that upgrading electricity infrastructure was the clincher in the State's recent bid to recruit Confluence Solar to Clinton, Tenn.

TN: Silicon State

Last week's announcement that Confluence Solar is going to Clinton, Tenn., got play -- thanks largely to the reach of The Associated Press -- worldwide. We enjoyed this blog, with its reference to TN as the Silicon State. As we write this, it does occur to us this could be mistaken as a reference to cosmetic surgery. But, we digress.

More details on Confluence Solar

The KNS provides most details on the planned Confluence Solar investment in Clinton, Tenn. Meanwhile, the folks in St. Louis are wondering how they lost the competition.

More Solar investment in TN debuts today

Gov. Phil Bredesen, ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber and officials from Confluence Solar Inc. are set today to announce formally Confluence's investment in a new facility at Clinton, Tenn. A projected 250 jobs are slated for the $400MM facility that makes products for the photovoltaic sector that is becoming an anchor of Tennessee's new economy. Our story is here. Confluence may seek TNInvestcos' investment, as part of its recently launched capital round. The investment complements the Bredesen-driven Solar Institute, new megasite developments, as well as investments announced earlier by Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker Chemie. The KNS has a related item this morning, triggered by VNC's report.

Tennessee Solar market needed

Larisa Brass reports for KNS on the ripple-effects created by Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker Chemie's investments in Tennessee. One source explains that Tennessee must not only serve as the beginning of a Solar supply chain, but must also create market-demand within the state for solar products for residential and commercial use.

Confluence Solar eyeing TN site?

Missouri-based Confluence Solar, which has a process for processing silicon for solar cells, is reportedly considering one or more Tennessee sites for a new facility, in addition to sites in other states. Larisa Brass reports it for the KNS.