---PRESS RELEASE---
The University of Delaware and the PV Experts Group Announce Unique Training Program for Solar Professionals
Executive Training in Solar Technology, Policy, and Business
Newark DE, August 4, 2011:
The University of Delaware Energy Institute (UDEI), the UD’s College of Engineering, and the PV Experts Group, have teamed to offer an intensive, highly interactive program for solar professionals that will take place on UD’s Newark Campus, November 7-11, 2011. The program, featuring a comprehensive review of PV technology, business, and policy, provides the latest in decision-making information needed by professionals in the photovoltaic (PV) industry.
This is a unique opportunity to work and learn in a small setting with solar industry experts. Some of the experts presenting during the week include James Rand, Founder of the PV Experts Group; Terry Jester, Sr. Executive VP of Operations for Calisolar; John Byrne, Director and Distinguished Professor of Energy and Climate Policy for UD’s Center for Energy & Environmental Policy; William Mulligan, previously VP of R&D for SunPower; Christopher Cameron, Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Labs; Alan Goodrich, a Sr. Analyst of NREL; and William Shafarman, a solar expert from UD’s Institute of Energy Conversion.
Technology sessions explore the different solar cell materials and manufacturing processes, with specific focus on silicon, CIGS, and CdTe technologies. Business sessions survey various models from start-up to well established organizations, examining system economics with specific attention to costs relative to energy production. Policy sessions examine how to accelerate the development of a solar economy, reviewing economic and environmental factors that shape the energy sector nationally and globally.
Enrollment is limited to ensure an environment that fosters networking with other professionals and experts. PV professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in technology, policy and business, as well as newcomers needing to quickly become conversant in the PV industry will benefit greatly from this course format. From technology managers with new solar responsibilities, to executives planning new business opportunities in PV, to potential investors in solar technology – all will find this workshop extremely valuable.
The University of Delaware established its Institute of Energy Conversion in 1972, leading and remaining at the forefront of photovoltaic research for an industry that is now growing at an exponential rate. The University of Delaware Energy Institute (UDEI) was established in 2008 to marshal and expand the University's science, engineering, and public policy expertise in new and emerging energy technologies, including growth in photovoltaics, These and other efforts resulted in the 2009 White House announcement that the U.S. Department of Energy was awarding one of 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) to the University of Delaware, supporting UD’s continued leadership in the acceleration of the scientific and technological breakthroughs needed to build a new 21st-century energy economy.
Impetus for this workshop has come from the PV Experts Group, a consortium of independent professionals that have built careers in the solar power industry. Each expert has a minimum of 20 years in the field and is regarded as an industry leader, with unparalleled knowledge and experience.
Reserve your space now for this first-of-its-kind workshop by contacting UD’s Engineering Outreach, 302-831-4863 or werrell@udel.edu.
