While policy and incentives are essential to the growth of the solar industry, changes over time create complicated variables on the federal, state and local levels that companies must take into account when planning for growth. The distinguished panel will provide insight into policy and incentives and discuss their impact and implications for the industry.
Panelists are:
— Nancy Pfund, Managing Partner, DBL Investors Ms. Pfund is founder and managing partner of DBL Investors, a venture capital firm in San Francisco whose goal is to combine top-tier financial returns with meaningful social, economic and environmental returns in the regions in which it invests. Ms. Pfund currently sponsors or sits on the board of directors of several companies, including Bright Source Energy, SolarCity, Solaria, Primus Power, Eco.logic Brands, OPx Biotechnologies, Powergenix and, prior to their public offering, Tesla Motors and Pandora Media. Originally a part of JPMorgan, DBL became independent in 2008. Ms. Pfund joined JPMorgan (then Hambrecht & Quist) in 1984 first as a securities analyst and then as a Venture Capital Partner and Managing Director. Nancy writes and speaks frequently on renewable investment issues, and together with Ben Healey, co-authored in 2011 "What Would Jefferson Do? The Historical Role of Federal Subsidies in Shaping America’s Energy Subsidies".
— Eric Silagy, President, Florida Power & Light Mr. Silagy is president of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy ,Inc. (NEE), one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the nation. He was appointed to his current position in December 2011. Previously, he served as senior vice president of regulatory and state governmental affairs, responsible for directing regulatory and legislative priorities and as FPL’s chief development officer, where he managed all generation development at the utility, including renewable, fossil and nuclear projects.
— Peter Marte, CEO & President, Hannah Solar Mr. Marte is CEO and Founder of Hannah Solar. Bringing over ten years of experience in the engineering and energy business, he is a NABCEP certified Solar PV Installer, Vice Chair of Georgia SEIA and former board member of Georgia Solar Energy Association. The team at Hannah Solar have become the leaders in the integration and development of alternative energy facilities throughout the Southeast. Hannah Solar, LLC is a 5-year-old turnkey Renewable Energy Provider, specializing in planning, design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy solutions for the Southeast. These solutions are generally site-specific Solar Photovoltaic, (PV) systems, with over 4 Megawatts of installed capacity through mid-2012 focused on commercial and agricultural locations. Pete oversees the management team at Hannah Solar, LLC and Worry Free Power, LLC under the Hannah Energy umbrella of companies. Hannah Solar and Worry Free Power are focused on the assets both companies bring to the table for the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Residential, Commercial and Photovoltaic Canopy installation services.
— Tom Doyle, P.E., President and CEO, NRG Solar Mr. Doyle leads NRG’s solar business as well as the Company’s generation portfolio in the West. He was instrumental in building NRG into one of the largest developers of solar in the country and continues to lead the development of the company’s pipeline of solar projects. He is also responsible for leading efforts to repower NRG’s West region’s power plants. Joining NRG in 2009 as President of NRG Solar, Doyle has more than 25 years of development and engineering experience associated with large-scale solar and more conventional power generation projects.
— Jurgen Krehnke, President & General Manager, SMA America, LLC and President, SMA Canada Mr. Krehnke is president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. He is responsible for all sales, marketing, service, and administrative activities for the North America- based divisions of global solar technology giant SMA Solar Technology AG. Since 2008 he has directed SMA through the most explosive growth period in its North America history, establishing the company not only as the largest PV inverter manufacturer in the residential space, but also the fast growing utility market. Under his leadership, the company established two North American manufacturing sites, significantly expanded its U.S. headquarters, unveiled a dedicated service center and created hundreds of direct jobs.
— Thomas Werner, President & CEO, SunPower Corp Mr. Werner is president and chief executive officer of SunPower Corp. and chairman of its board of directors. Prior to joining SunPower, he held the position of chief executive officer of Silicon Light Machines, Inc., an optical solutions subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. Previously, Mr. Werner was vice president and general manager of the Business Connectivity Group of 3Com Corp., a network solutions company, and has also held a number of executive management positions at Oak Industries, Inc., and General Electric Co.
"The solar industry is the most exciting, entrepreneurial industry in the United States today. Innovative new business models combined with smart public policy – at the federal, state and local level – are opening up new markets across the country and allowing solar to compete on a level playing field with fossil fuels," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "Solar is growing at record rates in the U.S. and is now more affordable than ever for consumers across the country who are turning to solar to save money. This growth is tied directly to public policy and this expert panel will provide a unique insight on how their companies work within the ever changing policy structure that is shaping today’s solar market."
"We are honored to have these six executives who are leaders in energy and finance share their views and insights on the future of policy and incentives with SPI attendees," said Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). "This will be a dynamic and unique discussion about the role that state and federal programs have played and will continue to play in the development of solar energy markets in the U.S.," said Hamm.
Just prior to the executive panel, Hamm and Resch will present an industry update.
For program updates and to register: www.solarpowerinternational.com
