By Greentech Lead America: First Solar, a provider
of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions, announced that Raffi
Garabedian has been appointed as its chief technology officer to succeed Dave
Eaglesham. Eaglesham has retired from the company after a successful six years
of service.
During Garabedian’s six years as First Solar’s top
technologist, the Company’s R&D group has achieved multiple world records
for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) cell and module efficiency.
Garabedian joined First Solar in 2008 as director of
disruptive technologies, and was promoted to vice president of advanced
technologies in 2010, overseeing the Company’s advanced research and
development (R&D) operations in Santa Clara, Calif.
“Raffi is an experienced technology leader with a proven
track record in our R&D organization, and we are confident in his ability
to execute and extend our technology roadmap going forward,” said Mike Ahearn,
First Solar’s chairman.
Prior to joining First Solar,
Garabedian was founder and CEO of Touchdown Technologies, a semiconductor test
equipment company. Prior to that, he worked in the semiconductor and
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) industries for over 15 years. He holds
more than 20 issued patents in these fields.
First Solar utilizes a continuous manufacturing process
which transforms a sheet of glass into a complete solar module in
less than 2.5 hours, which contributes to the company’s energy payback time and
the low carbon footprint of systems using First Solar PV modules. First Solar
also implemented the industry’s first comprehensive, prefunded solar module
collection and recycling program.
First
Solar appoints James Hughes as Chief Commercial Officer
Recently, First Solar announced the appointment of James
Hughes as chief commercial officer. In this newly created role Hughes will
oversee global business development and sales; project development;
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC); product management and
international public affairs and communications.