Global Solar Energy, a manufacturer of high-efficiency copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar material and an emerging leader in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), has announced Dr. Urs Schoop as the company’s new chief technology officer (CTO). As CTO, Dr. Schoop will leverage his extensive expertise in the research and development of CIGS solar cell production.
PVT Solar has officially changed its name to EchoFirst. EchoFirst, who created Echo, a new solar energy system that delivers twice the energy of a basic solar electric PV system sates the name change more accurately reflects the company's core business: the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution and deployment of its patented Echo solar system.
Thomas Koerner has joined Astronergy (Chint Solar) as general manager North America. Koerner will be responsible for all related business activities including sales and market strategy, and will support the company in worldwide product strategy and marketing.
Auctioneer and appraisal company CIACPCC has publicized the upcoming one-day equipment auction for the assets and equipment contained within Sixtron’s Dorval (Montreal), Quebec facility in Canada. Running in conjunction with Asset Reliance International and Upstream Value Group, the webcast equipment auction will feature more than US$1.5 million worth of original equipment for solar manufacturers.
Several of Europe’s leading solar institutions have placed follow-up orders with Meyer Burger subsidiary Pasan SA for its sun simulators. The simulators will be used to assist the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI), Fraunhofer ISE and TÜV Rheinland to test, calibrate and certify PV modules for use in Europe.
Hybrid TFPV cell manufacturer XsunX has entered into an agreement with Taiwanese company Telecomps Technology Corp., Ltd. (Telecomps) that will see the latter provide OEM module assembly services for XsunX’s CIGSolar technology. Telecomps will work with the thin-film manufacturer to develop back-end CIGSolar solar module assembly capabilities, which is likely to aid XsunX in its Chinese marketing efforts.
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has two new PV performance and reliability laboratories in Northern California located in Berkeley and Davis, California. Lab services at the Berkeley site and outdoor field testing at the Davis facility were initiated in February.
Solyndra has recently closed on its new US$75 million in secured credit facility, which was underwritten by current investors. The company stated that the financing will go towards furthering its pursuit of cost reductions and implementing its channel expansion, segment sales and marketing stratagems.
Hailed as a decisive move in terms of the company’s plans for the region, Phoenix Solar has formed its North American executive leadership team, working from its headquarters at the Bishop Ranch office park in San Ramon, California. Stepping into the role of president and CEO is Paul J. Caudill, who brings over 30 years’ power generation and industry experience to the company.
Q-Cells SE is set to increase its presence within the U.K. solar industry by opening a new office in London. The exact opening date for the office has not been revealed but it is likely to take place before the end of Q2.
