Xunlight announces 70 layoffs

Toledo has been called the Silicon Valley of the solar industry because of all the green energy companies based around the region. Now one of those companies is laying off dozens of employees.

The head of Xunlight says the layoffs are because a $5 million order has not been paid for.

Thirty Xunlight workers have been laid off in Toledo. Another 70 are being laid off at a production facility in China. It doesn’t end there. Some of the company executives even stopped taking paychecks last week.

Xunlight has gained national attention for its solar panels. In fact, ABC national news featured the Toledo-based company in a recent story.

According to company leaders, the layoffs are because a customer in Italy has delayed payment on a $5 million order. The customer has reportedly been waiting for the Italian government to finalize solar industry financial incentives.

Many can’t afford the solar technology without those government incentives. Some experts say that means an uphill battle as governments all over the world tighten their belts.

Xunlight’s CEO says the company plans to rehire some of the laid-off workers if the Italian customer starts making payments. At this point, he doesn’t know when that will start happening.

From: Abc Local