Despite module and inverter shortages and a lack of well-trained installers as well as significantly higher prices than seen in Germany, the UK solar market is claimed to be the fastest growing in the world right now. According to market research firm iSuppli, solar system installations will reach 96MW in 2010, up 1500% from barely a year ago and before the feed-in tariff (FiT) was introduced in April. In 2009, only 6MW had been installed.
Thin-film module manufacturing costs took a significant fall in the second quarter as First Solar continued to lead the PV industry in the lowest cost-per-watt race.
The Omni Hotel in San Francisco was home to the first ever Solar Engineering & Manufacturing Association (SEMA) meeting, held on the last day of Intersolar North America. A selection of solar professionals from around the world gathered to establish the mission statement, goals and basic structure of the association.
Thin-film solar panel manufacturer, Stion, who recently announced a US$70 million Series D financing round and has begun expanding its San Jose, CA, manufacturing facility to 100MW, has appointed Duston Williams as audit committee chair on its board of directors.
Suntech Power Holding’s CFO and director, Amy Yi Zhang, will soon start her newest role with the company as VP in charge of Suntech’s strategic project finance initiatives. She has served as CFO and director since 2005 and 2007 respectively.
Jörg Eggersdorfer, current member of IBC Solar's board of directors and commercial director since 2009, has been appointed company chief financial officer. Eggersdorfer will maintain responsibility for accounting, financial controlling, human resources, IT, order processing and logistics.
Meyer Burger has appointed a new chief executive officer at its subsidiary, 3S Swiss Solar Systems, as predecessor Dr. Patrick Hofer-Noser turns his focus to his role within the company as chief technology officer and executive board member. Philippe Baur will now assume the responsibilities of this position, as of July 26.
The newest executive team member for Critical Manufacturing comes in the form of Jeff Peabody who was newly appointed as VP of sales and business development. Peabody brings eighteen years of senior marketing and sales positions for factory automation solutions in semiconductor manufacturing. Most recently, Peabody held a senior position with Global Services Group of Applied Materials.
Crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturer, China Sunergy, has announced the departure of company VP and general manager of the operations division. Yang Fang ("Roger") has resigned from his position due to personal reasons.
Ian Jenks has been elected as the newest member to QuantaSol’s board of director’s where he will also serve as chairman. Jenks has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry for companies in the US and Europe.
