Solar panel factory to be built by GE in Colorado

GE (NYSE: GE) has announced plans to build a new solar panel factory in Aurora, Colo. GE anticipates the new factory will have the first panels coming off the line in 2012 with commercial availability in 2013.

The panels are designed to be lighter weight and larger than conventional thin-film panels.

When complete, GE said the new solar factory will highlight a $600 million investment in GE’s solar business.