International Solar Companies have formed the First ever Global Solar Council

CEO’s representing a wide range of international solar photovoltaic companies have formed the first ever ‘Global Solar Council’ with the intention of expanding “the global deployment of solar energy in a sustainable and cost-competitive way”.

The council will work with other organisations interested in the solar industry, such as EPIA, APVIA, and SEIA, to encourage policymakers to promote the use of solar energy and emphasise the importance of a support in the trade environment.

Roland-Jan Meijer, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Global Solar Council, says: “The Global Solar Council is an important and timely industry initiative. It demonstrates a strong commitment by key players in the sector to work together to continue to make solar energy a global success.”

Suntech CEO, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, adds: “A thriving solar industry is an important contributor to economic growth and employment in developing regions. By joining forces in the Global Solar Council, we will be able to demonstrate these benefits to our key stakeholders with one voice and drive forward the growth of the green economy.”

Global Solar Council founding members and their representatives are:

•    Applied Materials (Dr. Charles F. Gay, President, Applied Solar)
•    Dow Corning (Robert D. Hansen, CEO)
•    DuPont (David B. Miller, President, Dupont Electronics & Communication)
•    First Solar (Michael J. Ahearn, Chairman)
•    Lanco Solar (Vutukuri Saibaba, CEO)
•    Phoenix Solar (Dr. Andreas Hänel, CEO)
•    Suntech (Dr. Zhengrong Shi, CEO)

The companies that are currently represented in the council are from across the whole value chain of the solar photovoltaic market; from materials to product manufacturing and financing, policy, research and innovation, cross-border cooperation, and grid development and management.

By. James Burgess of Oilprice.com