Central Indiana city yanks some solar panel maker support

COLUMBUS, Ind. — A central Indiana city is shutting off some of its assistance to a solar panel manufacturer because the company hasn’t hired enough workers.

An agreement between Columbus officials and Nusun Inc. called for the city to forgive nearly $7,000 in monthly mortgage payments on a facility owned by the city. But Nusun’s current 17 employees falls short of the 80 it was supposed to have by the end of 2012.

The Republic reports City Council members voted Tuesday to find the company not in compliance, which requires Nusun to start making the payments.

Nusun CEO Ryan Stout asked for more time, saying the company has made substantial progress toward lining up new contracts.

The city also helped Nusun obtain some $800,000 in local and regional grants.