NY: Monolith Solar to Expand, Add 76 Jobs in Vista Technology Campus

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monolith Solar, which delivers best-in-class engineering, design and installation of solar energy modules for residential, commercial and non-profit customers, is expanding its operations in the Capital Region. The company will build its new headquarters, and research and development and manufacturing facility in the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands. This high-growth project will retain 49 existing jobs and create 76 new jobs in the region. In addition, Monolith will install a solar farm adjacent to its new facility, producing enough electricity to power the majority of the tech park.

"Monolith's decision to expand in the Capital Region is another example of how our focus on the upstate economy is translating into jobs and new opportunities in the region," Governor Cuomo said. "Upstate New York is a prime location for high-tech companies like Monolith that want to grow and thrive, and with this expansion project the region is continuing to move forward as a hub for clean energy technologies. I am proud that our team was able to play a role in making this expansion project a reality, and I look forward to seeing it drive the local economy well into the future."

Monolith will construct and outfit a 16,000 square foot building in the tech park that will house its headquarters and back office operations, as well as a connected 10,000 square foot research and development and manufacturing facility. The $4.9 million expansion will include the purchase of machinery and equipment and employee training, and allow Monolith to meet increased customer demand.  As part of the expansion, Monolith will also incorporate a 10 acre solar farm featuring approximately 6,700 solar panels, which will produce approximately two megawatts of power. The farm is in addition to the solar wall that will be located on the headquarters building. Solar features on Monolith's facility will generate approximately 400 kilowatts of power. High-resolution renderings of the Monolith expansion are available HERE.

"Monolith Solar was born in New York, has thrived in New York and now, we're expanding in New York," said Mark Fobare, Co-Founder and CEO of Monolith Solar. "Our business has grown from an operation in the garage of Steven Erby, my fellow Co-Founder, to a multi-regional leader in the high-tech sector, and this new, built-to-suit headquarters will allow us to continue to grow. This wouldn't have been possible without Governor Cuomo's commitment to economic development and growing renewable energy in New York. State initiatives make keeping our business and the dozens of high-tech jobs in New York an easy decision."

To support the expansion project, Empire State Development is providing the company with a $400,000 grant and $400,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program performance based tax credits, which are tied directly to job creation and investment commitments.  In addition, Monolith has met with the Town IDA staff and intends to submit an application for IDA benefits.  

Columbia Development is the developer of Vista, a 440-acre mixed-use site positioned in the heart of Tech Valley, with proximity to I-90, I-787, the  College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and GE Global Research. Located in the Town of Bethlehem, Vista offers a wide range of first-class office and retail space and a location that makes it easy to work more efficiently and for companies to grow.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "The Capital Region is a well-known hub for the high-tech industry and Monolith will add to this growth.  ESD's support will result in creation of 76 new, good-paying jobs in the community and spur future investment in the tech park."

Joseph R. Nicolla, President of Columbia Development, said, "We are proud to welcome Monolith Solar to the Vista Technology Campus. We had companies like Monolith in mind when we first began planning Vista, and I know Governor Cuomo's economic development initiatives were crafted with the intent of supporting and retaining these high-tech, alternative energy enterprises."

Senator Neil Breslin said, "The expansion of Monolith Solar is further proof that New York is committed to helping clean-tech industries flourish and expand their operations. These are the types of businesses that will help our economy continue to grow in the 21st century and I am thrilled to see that Monolith Solar will expand their headquarters right here in the Capital Region."

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy said, "This is just the type of local business development we need on multiple fronts; Monolith Solar will be creating good paying jobs with career ladder opportunities in the renewable energy field. It's exactly what's needed in order to achieve long term environmental sustainability. This is the future and I commend the Town of Bethlehem for their leadership in bringing Monolith to Vista Park."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "I am proud to have been involved in the discussions, not only to keep Monolith Solar in New York State, but to relocate their headquarters here to the town of Bethlehem. 76 new jobs are being created and this new facility is being built with growth in mind.  That is a signal of a brighter future."

Bethlehem Town Supervisor John Clarkson said, "After years of planning, we are very excited to welcome Monolith Solar to Vista. This is the type of technology business that we want to attract, and I hope that this is the first of many announcements of this type."

Town of Bethlehem IDA Thomas P. Connolly said, "This is great news for the Town of Bethlehem. Monolith Solar is the type of technology tenant envisioned for Vista. I know the IDA is excited to review their application and I look forward to working with them in the future."

About Monolith Solar Associates

Founded in 2009, Monolith Solar Associates provides solar solutions to a wide variety of private and public institutions and individuals. Today, the company's projects together generate 9.6 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year, enough to power 1,200 homes, or the equivalent of 23 rail cars of coal from being burned annually.