Siva Power, a manufacturer of next generation thin-film solar technology, has hired renowned solar executive Bruce Sohn as its Vice-Chairman of the Board. Sohn is highly respected in the fields of renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing, having been the key executive in First Solars growth into an internationally recognized solar company and having held leadership positions at Intel Corporation.
Sohn started at First Solar in 2003, serving on the Board of Directors and guiding the company through its formative years of growth. In 2007 Sohn became First Solars President, leading the companys growth from the pre-revenue stage to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Under Sohns leadership, First Solar achieved three historic solar milestones: the first Company to manufacture at under $1/watt, the first company to ship more than 1 GW of production annually and the first company to develop and engineer, procure, and construct (EPC) over 1 GW of utility-scale projects.
Previously, Sohn worked at Intel for 24 years where he played a leadership role in developing, engineering and manufacturing leading-edge semiconductor technologies. At Intel he was a crucial part of the start-up team at five fabs, managed two of Intel's largest fabs, and was program manager for Intel's conversion to 300mm wafers. Sohn graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in engineering, was a Clean Energy Ambassador to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and chaired the US Commerce Department's Manufacturing Council for the Obama Administration.
Siva Power CEO Brad Mattson stated, If I had my choice of any executive in the world to join our team, it would be Bruce Sohn. What he achieved at First Solar speaks for itself, and it says a lot about Siva and where Siva is going now that someone like Bruce has joined us. Weve consolidated the best and the brightest minds in the thin-film solar industry and Bruce Sohn is a special addition to that brain trust. It was under his leadership that First Solar, the only American thin-film PV success story, became what it is today. His guidance and leadership will be invaluable to Siva going forward as we become the next success.
Siva has made impressive progress on its advanced thin film technology, Sohn said. While the solar industry has steadily improved its position as a leading generator of clean, renewable energy, we are still at the threshold of the upcoming growth phase. Terrawatts of clean power are yet to be installed and there is opportunity to make thin film solar the lowest cost, most environmentally friendly solution to power the planet.
Siva Power is developing copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar modules at its Santa Clara, CA headquarters. Sivas roadmap delivers dramatically lower electricity costs through advanced technology, scale, operational execution and an effective business strategy. Siva raised money earlier this year to build a pilot line at its Silicon Valley headquarters, where it will produce CIGS modules based on its proprietary technology and manufacturing processes.
Mattson continued, Bruces extensive experience in growing and managing large teams, and in global manufacturing capability, will prove to be a huge asset to Siva Power as we take our next step into giga-scale manufacturing. Were really pleased to have him and are looking forward to working together theres a lot for us to achieve."
