No one should doubt the ability of U.S. manufactures to compete in the global economy-- even in such tough, niche sectors as clean energy technology.

Case in point: California-based Stion Corporation.

Stion is a high-efficiency, thin-film solar panel manufacturer based in San Jose, California. After four years in business, the company employs roughly 150 people at their California headquarters. 

Stion manufactures an impressive array of thin-film solar products by using a streamlined, low-cost process that is environmentally friendly, has among the lowest energy payback times of any solar technology, and is virtually cadmium-free. 

Frank Yang, Senior Director of Business Development for Stion, says the firm is currently in the process of opening up a 100MW commercial line in Hattiesburg, Mississippi which will employ as many as 200 people.  He explains that Stion is looking to eventually ramp up production at the Mississippi plant to 500MW annually, and hire a total of 1,000 people (about 2% of the population of the city of Hattiesburg).

Yang says Stion is frequently asked how they are able to make solar panels in the U.S. and still stay competitive.  His answer: "We have a process and technology that enables highly competitive product economics.  We are extremely excited about the opportunity to add jobs in Mississippi and grow our business here in the U.S."

Stion is proof that we can keep it Made in America.

Follow Stion on Twitter @StionSolar

Learn more about Stion's American-made solar panel products.