Germany-Based Solar Company to Open Plant in Colo.

A Germany-based solar company plans to open its first North American manufacturing site in Denver.

Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper joined officials from SMA Solar Technology for the announcement Monday. The company plans to start production next year with 300 employees and a capacity to expand the work force to 700.

The plant will be in east Denver with access to Interstate 70 and a rail line.

SMA produces solar inverters, which convert the direct current generated by residential solar panels into alternating current for the electrical grid.

Ritter has made Colorado's renewable energy industry a priority of his administration. Companies that have opened plants in the state include Danish wind-turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems.

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