COVERSTORY
Innovative approach
The solar PV industry has developed at a steady but slow pace of innovation. One group of industry participants wanted to develop a new approach aimed at addressing some of the major challenges for a faster uptake of solar energy. David Ridsdale spoke with Clemens Jargon, President EMEA and Corporate Senior Vice President of Solyndra to discover what they have done differently.
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ack in 2005 Dr. Christian Gronet had a vision to develop solar technology that could meet the industry challenges such as ease of installation, shade impact and of course, reducing manufacturing costs. Gathering a group of like minded individuals the goal was to develop innovative technology from scratch. From these beginnings Solyndra was formed, establishing headquarters in Fremont, California by 2006 and had begun production in their first Fab by 2007.
The name of the company provides a clue to the technology developed and the resultant cylindrical shaped solar cells claim to address a number of persistent challenges for the solar industry. Solyndra manufactures solar PV panels and mounts, for the commercial rooftop market.
Solyndra’s CIGS technology is a scalable solar solution for the rooftop owner. Using cylindrical modules and thin film CIGS technology they have a reputation as a company to watch with early investment and a unique produc. By 2010 the company had installed almost 1000 sites including a 3MW Belgium effort and had received a $535 million DOE loan guarantee for construction of Fab 2 to increase output dramatically.
The key to Solyndra’s success is thin film solar material wrapped around a cylinder resembling a black fluorescent globe. These tubes are then wired in parallel with up to 40 individual modules making up each panel. This design allows sunlight to be captured across a 360-degree photovoltaic surface capable of converting direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight into electricity.
Global Expansion
The company has continued to expand in developing regions. With the UK offering strong subsidies for solar powered energy Solyndra has been busy stepping up efforts for a UK presence. They have continued to attract top individuals to key areas and recently Clemens Jargon, President of EMEA & Corporate Senior Vice President was in London to increase the awarenessin the region as well as highlight their latest technological advancement.
Jargon is also Chairman of Solyndra International, and oversees the company’s EMEA operations. He came to Solyndra with an impressive pedigree including VP & GM
of Infineon’s Feature Phones business unit. Jargon stated that joining the company was an easy decision with the technology potential winning him over.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue III 2011
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