Utility Power Group Wins Solar Energy Contract

Utility Power Group in Chatsworth was among seven companies receiving three-year contracts from the U. S. Department of Energy to further develop photovoltaic technology used in solar energy.

Utility Power, a privately held producer of solar panels, received a $7.2-million award to advance its manufacturing abilities. The Energy Department overall awarded $52.6 million to the seven companies, which also included a $10-million award to Siemens Solar Industries in Camarillo.

The agency’s project is aimed at bolstering the U. S. photovoltaic industry so the industry can better compete in the international solar energy market.