Hanwha Solar America unit to establish advanced PV R&D center, names Chris Eberspacher president

March 18, 2011
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Hanwha Holdings (USA) has established Hanwha Solar America LLC as a U.S. subsidiary, which will set up an advanced photovoltaic technology research and development center in Silicon Valley.  Industry veteran Chris Eberspacher has been named president of HSA and will also serve as global CTO of Hanwha’s various solar businesses.

Eberspacher will provide technical leadership for all of Hanwha’s solar businesses, including Hanwha’s global solar R&D and manufacturing networks. He has more than 25 years experience in the PV industry in a variety of technology and management roles, most recently at Applied Materials, where he served as CTO of the company's solar division.

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“Hanwha is strategically well-positioned to be one of the leaders in the global PV industry,” he said. “The PV industry is evolving quickly, and Hanwha intends to be a key leader in that evolution. “Hanwha is moving aggressively to build a global network of world-class technology and product teams. Hanwha has experienced technical teams already active in China and Korea, and HSA will establish an advanced solar R&D center in Silicon Valley to develop the next generations of solar technology.”

“We’re looking for the best and brightest; folks who can define a path for the continuing transformation of solar to large-volume, grid-parity impact as a key part of a diversified sustainable energy technology portfolio,” he concluded.

No additional details about the specific location, construction/operational timeline, or capabilities of the R&D center were disclosed.

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