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TOLEDO (AP) -- A solar-industry trade group says Ohio is the second-leading state in solar manufacturing.

Oregon is the only one that tops the Buckeye State.

The Solar Energy Industries Association says Ohio's production rose by 50% during the first three months of this year, topping big solar-producing states like California and New Jersey.

The Toledo area is becoming a hub for solar research and production. The Blade newspaper in Toledo reports that three solar panel makers in northwest Ohio are expecting to start or increase production over the next year.

The Solar Energy Industries Association says solar panel production nationwide was up 31% in the first quarter of 2011 compared with a year ago.

Here are links to the three solar panel makers based here in Northwest Ohio.

First Solar in Perrysburg

Xunlight in Toledo

Willard & Kelsey in Perrysburg

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)