Micron Plans To Shutter Idaho Solar Venture

Another Idaho solar energy project has fallen victim to sliding prices and industry turbulence.

The Idaho Statesman reported Wednesday that Nampa, Idaho-based Transform Solar is calling it quits.

The partnership between Micron Technology Inc. and Origin, an Australian energy company, plans to end its Idaho operations and lay off more than 250 workers over the next three months.

The news comes after Hawaiian company Hoku Materials dramatically reduced its staff at a new $400 million plant near Pocatello.

Transform Solar’s managers had hoped to make so-called sliver solar cells at a lower cost than conventional solar panels.

The thin panels were designed to capture energy from the sun from both faces.

But falling silicon prices and market changes have crippled the industry in Idaho largely before it’s gotten started.