Your daily dose of Photovoltaic Technology Developments and Solar News

enXco, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, has added Paul Kaufman, formerly of Iberdrola Renewables, Inc., to the roles of Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Kaufman brings over 20 years of legal experience in the energy industry to the role. Read more >>

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. has announced its appointment of Dr. Elmer Hsu (pictured) as Chief Operating Officer, effective from August 1st, 2008. Dr. Hsu, an independent director for JA Solar since September 2007, replaces Dr. Kang Sun, who has announced his intention to resign his roles as President, COO and board director to pursue other interests. Read more >>

Solar thermal power plant producer eSolar has announced the appointment of Merrick Kerr as CFO to oversee the company’s expansion in southwest United States and globally. Mr. Kerr brings 15 years of experience in accounting, financial and strategic planning in the energy industry to the company, which has recently closed $130 million in funding from Idealab, Oak Investment Partners and Google.org. Read more >>

Advent Solar, Inc. has enlisted the entrepreneurial skills of Martin Hermann to take up the role of Chief Strategic Officer. Mr. Hermann brings over 17 years of entrepreneurial and management experience to the role, which will see him assume responsibility for Advent Solar’s business development, planning, strategy and growth. Read more >>

DayStar Technologies has named William Steckel as its new CFO, replacing Raja Venkatesh (pictured), who resigned in February to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Steckel brings more than 20 years of financial and operational management experience to the role that will see him report directly to company CEO Dr. Stephan DeLuca. Read more >>

China Sunergy has announced the addition of a further Independent Director to its Board. Merry Tang, a finance and accounting executive, took up the role on June 24th, replacing Mr. Alan Smith who resigns from the role on June 30th. Ms. Tang succeeds Mr. Smith as Chairman of the Audit Committee on July 1st. Read more >>

Barry Cinnamonn (pictured), founder and CEO of Akeena Solar, has been added to the finalists’ list for consideration for the prestigious title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year for 2008. The award winners, who will be announced on June 21st in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, will be selected by a panel of independent judges based on their innovation, financial performance and commitment to their business and community. Read more >>

Conergy SolarModule GmbH & Co. KG has named Mathias Kamolz as Managing Director of its Frankfurt (Oder) production site. Effective immediately, the new role managing the Oder plant will see Mr. Kamolz apply his semiconductor-related experience to building the business of the new solar factory. Read more >>

Brian Jacolick (pictured), former Vice President of sales for SunEdison, has been promoted to General Manager for the North America region and in this role will oversee operations for the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Mr. Jacolick will be based in Beltsville, Maryland, and will report directly to CEO Tom Rainwater. Read more >>

Dr. Stephen R. Forrest (pictured) has been added to the Applied Materials Board of Directors and also to the Strategic Committee of the Board. An expert in the fields of optoelectronics and organic compounds, Dr. Forrest is a well-known lecturer, fellow of IEEE and recipient of many awards for his inventions and innovations. Read more >>