LOVELAND -- Abound Solar, the recipient of a $400 million federal loan guarantee to expand solar-panel production, announced Tuesday it will stop making its first-generation thin-film photovoltaic modules in a move that included the temporary layoffs of about 180 people.

Another 100 temporary workers also were laid off.

Additionally, the company said it would put off opening a new factory in Indiana. As many as 1,200 people were expected to work at that plant.

Mass production, it said, was expected to resume by year’s end, once testing is complete on its next-generation, more efficient modules. It did not specify how many of those laid off would be brought back to work. Abound’s facility is located along the Interstate 25 Frontage Road near Firestone.

“While this is a difficult move with regards to temporarily reducing our workforce, we know that accelerating the introduction of our next generation module will bring significant benefits to our customers and allow us to create even more jobs in the future,” said Craig Witsoe, president and CEO of Abound Solar.

“Current market conditions are challenging for all U.S. solar