Secretary of Energy explores Arvada’s PrimeStar Solar

On Nov. 18, 2011, Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu was in Arvada exploring the clean energy company, PrimeStar Solar, now General Electric. PrimeStar Solar was founded in 2006 by a group of Colorado researchers including Ken Zweibel, who worked at NREL for 25 years; Joe Beach, a Colorado School of Mines Physics Professor; and Fred Seymour, former Director of Technology for Newmont Mining. The product they created enabled economically competitive large scale solar PV power plants that will help offset the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuel electricity generation. To learn more about the product technology, go to primestarsolar.com. As PrimeStar grew they caught the attention of a major investor (GE) that later acquired the company and now plans to manufacture the product that will ultimately provide power to millions. Arvada is proud to have played a small role in this amazing story.

Arvada has a unique advantage: With CU Boulder to the north, Colorado School of Mines and NREL to the south, and a growing number of clean energy companies from start-up to large businesses sprinkled in between.

Colorado has an evolving energy corridor that runs right through Arvada.

GE recognizes this along with the highly educated instate workforce.

That is partly why in October 2011, GE announced plans to open a new 400-MW solar manufacturing facility in Colorado - creating 355 local jobs in the process.

“This success story reminds us all that Arvada is open for business.

I speak on behalf of the Arvada City Council and our citizens when I say we are going to do all we can to support this company's continued growth. And we look forward to a bright future.” said Rachel Zenzinger, Arvada Pro Tem Mayor.

Arvada Economic Development Association
The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) is the Arvada community's business-to-government liaison and a strategic resource for business information and support. AEDA facilitates business development in Arvada to enhance the community by empowering businesses to succeed, increasing city revenue, and creating new jobs.