Earlier this year, one of the world’s leading solar companies, SunEdison, established its global headquarters in Belmont, Calif. The move brings 100 jobs to California. They also plan to create hundreds of new high-paying California jobs.

This relocation was made possible by the direct action of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the collaboration between the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the State Board of Equalization and Assemblyman Jerry Hill.

In June 2011, Governor Brown signed ABX 15 by Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D-South San Francisco) which clarified tax law so that the state’s solar energy property tax exclusion applies to sale-leaseback transactions. The Governor’s leadership provided SunEdison and others in the renewable energy industry, the certainty they needed to move forward with planned expansions.

“SunEdison’s decision to place its headquarters in California is proof that, working together, state government and business can find ways to cut red tape, tackle our environmental problems and create jobs,” said Governor Brown.

“Locating the SunEdison headquarters in California, the largest energy market in North America with a longstanding commitment to renewable energy, positions us to support better our customers,” said Carlos Domenech, president of SunEdison. “Being in Silicon Valley gives us access to a wider talent and companies that are motivated to solve the supply and demand challenges that electric power faces. California has long been a trendsetter in technology, business innovation and caring for the environment. Being here will help us to make solar a viable and meaningful source of energy.”

The company held a formal announcement at their new headquarters in Belmont on October 10, 2011. In attendance was Governor Brown, Carlos Domenech, president of SunEdison, Assemblyman Jerry Hill, Senator Leland Yee and State Board of Equalization Member Betty
Yee.

SunEdison produces more than 340 MW of solar energy capacity, has 468 operational sites, and has delivered 730,529 MW onto the grid. In California, SunEdison currently has 278 solar project sites.