Sep. 19--A German solar power company is expected to decide within weeks whether to bring 700 jobs to Nampa.

Nampa is one of two finalists being considered for the solar manufacturing plant, said Boise Valley Economic Partnership Executive Director Paul Hiller. The company is looking at the 200,000-square-foot building that used to house MPC Computers for a plant that could grow employment up to 1,200.

The unnamed company isn't the only solar company interested in Nampa. A domestic solar panel manufacturer also is evaluating whether to build its own plant in the area, Hiller said.

"We're in the final two with the German company and in the final four with the other project," Hiller said.

Idaho Power has enough generating capacity to meet the needs of both companies, Hiller said.

"Power is an advantage, because rates are fairly low here," he said.

Representatives from a number of solar companies have been in the Treasure Valley this summer, and business leaders are optimistic that at least one might come here.

Micron Technology owns the MPC building and is considering going into the business of manufacturing solar panels itself. The technology is similar to the microchip manufacturing process Micron has used in its Treasure Valley facilities.

The German company would not say what other state or community is in the running.

"They were hoping to make a decision by now," Hiller said. " I think they'd like to move as quick as possible."

Rocky Barker: 377-6484

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