Last month, SRS Energy, the Philadelphia-headquartered developer and manufacturer of solar roofing tiles trained contractors in California to support the launch of its Sole Power Tile system--the first building-integrated photovoltaic product for curved, clay-tile roofs.  Two weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced $2.8 million in grants and loans that should keep those contractors busy next year.

SRS will use the funds to support the purchase of equipment for a manufacturing plant it will open in Montgomery County in 2010. The plant's first line of Sole Power Tiles is scheduled to be fully operational by the conclusion of the second quarter next year and will employ up to 40 people to start, with more jobs to follow as additional lines are added.

"We're delighted at (the state's) commitment to invest in clean, sustainable technologies that will benefit both the environment and the economy," says SRS CEO Marty Low.

The funding includes $2.375 million from the DCED's Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and a $430,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

SRS's Sole system blends with several styles of California-based partner U.S. Tile's clay roofing tiles. The system preserves curb appeal while applying cutting-edge thin film solar technology, which converts a greater spectrum of sunlight into electricity. The tiles are also far less sensitive to heat compared to other solar technologies.

SRS and U.S. Tile are launching the Sole system in select West Coast markets and will roll it out nationwide next spring. CertainTeed, a $5 billion building products company in Valley Forge, owns a 20 percent stake in SRS.

Source: Marty Low, SRS Energy
Writer: Joe Petrucci