Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 4:19:00 PM - by Danny Vo

The state of Michigan is expected to gain about 500 new jobs in light of a solar power company's recent decision to locate a manufacturing facility there.

An announcement from Governor Jennifer Granholm says that Suniva, a Georgia company, will invest $250 million in the planned facility, to be located in Thomas Township in Saginaw County. The project is expected to result in about 500 new jobs over the next five years.

The project is said to be contingent on receiving a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy.

Michigan is especially pleased by the news because the state has been among the hardest hit in the current recession, especially in regard to its manufacturing base and automotive industry.

In an effort to attract more green jobs, the state has offered the a tax credit for companies that construct and operate photovoltaic manufacturing facilities, with other state and local tax incentives to be possibly offered in the future. Given such incentives, other solar power companies may also find themselves eyeing Michigan in the coming years.