Stirling Energy Systems recently announced the launch of a new solar development company named Tessera Solar. Tessera Solar is developing solar power world wide using their patented technology called SunCatchers. Manufacturing of SunCatchers at production volumes will commence in 2010, utilizing Tier 1 automotive suppliers for key components. With over 90% North American content, SES Inc. expects to employ hundreds of U.S. autoworkers in the production of the SunCatcher.

Tessera Solar North America will oversee completion of the two projects commenced by SES Inc. with California utilities San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison, with two of the largest solar farms in the world scheduled to begin construction in California as early as 2010. Tessera Solar North America is building a pipeline of additional domestic projects, with the goal of developing 1,000 MW of new solar plants by the end of 2011.

From the Companies Official Press release: Tessera Solar will assume the project development activities formerly included in SES and will have exclusive responsibility for the global deployment of the SunCatcher solar dish Stirling system manufactured by sister company, SES Inc.

Tessera Solar has a North American division, based in Houston Texas, and an International division based in London, United Kingdom. SES Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, will retain the Stirling Energy Systems name and will continue its focus on the engineering, manufacturing and volume ramp of the SunCatcher platform.