Bringing over 15 years of executive and technology experience to the role, Dr. Omid Shojaei joins Indeotec as its new chief executive officer. In his new position Shojaei hopes to build upon the company’s PECVD platform for R&D and pilot production for both c-Si and TF-Si.
Cylindrical CIGS thin-film manufacturer Solyndra has announced that it has suspended its manufacturing operations, immediately laid off its 1100 full-time and temporary employees, and intends to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Fremont, CA-based company cited "the negative impacts of global economic and solar industry market conditions" as the reason for the actions. The firm also said it is evaluating its options, which could include "a sale of the business and licensing of its advanced CIGS technology and manufacturing expertise."
Roth & Rau has appointed new members to its supervisory board, replacing the previous board who concluded their term in office last week. At the company’s Annual General Meeting, shareholders chose to elect Michel Hirschi, Andrea Sieber and Peter M. Wagner, with Wagner appointed as chairman of the board.
Hemlock Semiconductor has named Andrew Tometich as its new president. Tometich will start his new role immediately, where he will work alongside current chief executive officer Richard Doornbos.
Air Products has appointed Stephen J. Jones as China president, in an effort to promote the company’s next stage of growth in China. Jones will be based in Shanghai and will also remain as senior vice president and general manager of Global Tonnage Gases, Equipment and Energy, a position he has held since 2009.
Hanwha Group has signed an exclusive partnership with Hamburger SV. Under the terms of the two-year exclusive partnership, Hanwha will carry out a wide range of advertising campaigns in Hamburg’s Imtech Arena and was also granted naming rights for the club’s pre-season tournament, the Hanwha Solar Cup.
Applied Materials (AMAT) posted a solid financial outcome upon the release of its third quarter 2011 results. Although the company noted that its overall Q3 orders and net sales were down 25% and 3%, respectively, compared to Q2 2011, AMAT still completed the quarter with US$2.39 billion in generated orders and saw its net sales reach the upper end of its previous guidance at US$2.79 billion. Non-GAAP operating income was US$683 million, with a non-GAAP net income of US$467 million, or US$0.35 per share.
Five of First Solar’s senior executives, using personal funds, purchased a combined total of 5,500 shares of the company stock during one of four annual open trading windows for the company’s directors and Section 16 officers. The purchases have been reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission in Form 4 filings where appropriate.
The lower house of Japan's parliament has passed a new green bill aimed at promoting investment in solar and other renewable energy sources and weaning the country off nuclear power. The bill requires utilities to buy any electricity from solar and other renewable sources for up to 20 years and should it be approved by the upper house it will come into force next July.
Trina Solar has posted results of its second-quarter performance, showing a healthy increase in both module shipments and year-on-year net revenue. Logging a gross profit of US$98.3 million for the quarter, which represents a decrease of 35.0% sequentially and 17.3% for the same period last year, the company cited policy changes in Italy and resulting high industry inventory as having had an effect on the company’s sales.
