Solar energy firm receives $1 million state grant

AUSTIN (AP) -- HelioVolt Corp. is getting $1 million from the state's job creation fund for construction of a 125,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and testing space for thin film solar power cells.

The cells convert sunlight into electricity.

The deal reached between the Austin company and the Texas Enterprise Fund will create nearly 160 jobs and $62 million in capital investment, Gov. Rick Perry's office announced Tuesday.

Perry says HelioVolt's investment in the technology will not only create more jobs but also help Texas remain at forefront of the renewable energy market.

Texas was in competition with New York, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania for the facility.

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