Kelso to receive region's first solar manufacturing facility in February

The facility, to be operated by Msquare Energy, is expected to be up and running by February 2022, with an estimated 30 jobs set to be created.

Large Solar Installs director Darryl Leahey said the facility is among the most significant renewable energy developments in Australia's history.

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"Every wind and solar farm comprises of materials that have been imported from overseas, but this facility will manufacture solar panels locally, create local jobs and ship Australian-made products worldwide," Mr Leahey said.

"The biggest panels we're generally installing at the moment are around 390 watts, and this facility will manufacture 440-watt panels with a 25-year product and 25-year output warranty."

Msquare Energy's decision to build the facility in Bathurst was decided on a number of factors, including reduced site costs, efficient transport across the eastern states, work-life balance for all staff and growing demand for residential solar panels.

While he'll have nothing to do with the decision-making process regarding who will get hired at the facility, Mr Leahey said he's compiling a list of people who need white card and heights tickets to be ready to work.

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"From a cultural perspective, there's a sheer diversity of people on the list, and expect one in 10 of them to be hired full-time," he said.

Mr Leahey said he and Bathurst councillor Bobby Bourke have been lobbying hard to bring such a facility to Bathurst for the past six years through networking at corporate functions for events such as the Bathurst 1000.

Cr Bourke said he's spent the last two years working hard with the state government and Msquare's Sam Groves to open a manufacturing site in Bathurst.

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"These things never happen overnight, but it's finally up and running and come February, houses right around the globe will start to be able to purchase and install solar panels made right here in Bathurst," he said.

"It'll put Bathurst on the map as a solar manufacturing powerhouse."

NSW deputy premier Paul Toole said the facility will be a big win for the local manufacturing and solar energy sector.

"These solar panels will be usable for residential, commercial and industrial buildings locally, nationally and globally," Mr Toole said.

"This is all about jobs and reduced costs of living."

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