Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:44:14 PM - by Tom Staples

The Toledo area is continuing to assert itself as a leader in the emerging solar energy industry, with another company having recently established a presence in the area.

This week, Sphere Renewable Energy of California announced that it was developing what it called the nation's most advanced polycrystalline silicon production facility in the city. The material is used to create photovoltaic panels.

Sphere will create a wholly-owned subsidiary called Buckeye Silicon. The company's initial production module is expected to be located at the University of Toledo's Center for Renewable Energy.

"Toledo is an outstanding community, one with the human resources that readily can be applied to our manufacturing business," said company CEO Harrison Choi, President and CEO of Buckeye Silicon.

The city has gained prominence in the industry because its manufacturing facilities, which were once used to produce glass and windows for the auto industry, have provided a desirable location for companies that produce solar energy components.

Vice President Biden was recently in Toledo to highlight the city's potential to help revive American manufacturing.