Cathy Scott, executive director of the county economic development commission, made the announcement to Halifax commissioners at their meeting today.
The decision by the company’s board of directors, Scott told commissioners, is driven by market issues. “The competitive market for solar has drastically changed in the past 90 days with China’s excess capacity and inventory, driving solar module prices down significantly.”
She the company’s board of directors decided to put the project on hold until the first quarter in January.
Following the meeting, Scott said, “I’m not concerned about their commitment. I’m concerned about the loopholes that allow China to flood the market with low-priced modules. They anticipate the market will improve. Their decision will be based on the market.”
Commissioners had no comment on the matter following Scott’s presentation.
“I had hoped they would have decided sooner to get things going,” board Chair Vernon Bryant said following the meeting. “I’m concerned, but still optimistic it will be OK.”

Bryant also said the Halifax County Board of Commissioners have not spent any money on the project.

In other economic development news Scott reported:

Eighty percent of Enfield’s Safelite’s workforce will be laid off on September 23 after it announced last month the company was to cease manufacturing windshields.
The plant will permanently close on October 10.
A meeting has been held with the town to discuss fiscal and other impacts and a follow-up meeting is scheduled Wednesday.
The plant represented 40 percent of the town’s electric revenues.

PCB Group on Highway 903 has been acquired by MTS Systems in a $580 million transaction.
Scott reported to commissioners PCB Piezotronics of North Carolina will continue to operate under PCB Group.
The president of PCB, she said, indicates the acquisition will support growth of PCB in Halifax County.