Author

Dirk Bräunlich is Director Sales Solar at EKRA Automatisierungssysteme, Germany, part of the ASYS Group, where he is responsible for global sales activities and strategic business development in the photovoltaic industry.

Prior to joining EKRA in July 2026, he held several international leadership and management positions at VON ARDENNE, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of vacuum coating equipment and technologies for photovoltaic manufacturing. From 2018 to 2021, he served as General Manager of VON ARDENNE China, leading the successful transformation of the Shanghai subsidiary into a fully operational manufacturing and delivery site for advanced coating systems. He subsequently took responsibility for strategic sales and business development activities within VON ARDENNE’s global photovoltaic business.

Throughout his career, he has worked closely with leading solar manufacturers, research institutes, and technology partners across Asia, Europe, and India. His experience spans photovoltaic manufacturing technologies, vacuum coating processes, industrial automation, business development, and international market expansion.

Dirk is particularly passionate about bridging innovative technologies and industrial-scale production to accelerate the global energy transition. He regularly engages with industry leaders, research organizations, and strategic partners to support the commercialization of next-generation solar technologies. Drawing on more than a decade of international management and sales experience, he provides practical insights into market trends, manufacturing challenges, and emerging opportunities in the photovoltaic industry.