Speakers

ENTERING THE SOLAR AGE

Tom Dyer, Senior VP, Marketing & Government Affairs - Kyocera Solar

Mr. Dyer will provide an historical account of how photovoltaics evolved over the years from spacecraft and ocean buoys to grid-tie systems in our neighborhoods, where we are now (government incentives, new high-tech players, growth rates) and where he thinks we need to go.

Tom Dyer has devoted the majority of his life to developing and commercializing solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. He entered the field in the early 1970s with a company that developed solar technologies for the U.S. space program. In 1977 he joined the solar energy subsidiary of a major petroleum company, holding management and executive-level positions in solar applications engineering, manufacturing, and business development. He served as vice president of international sales and marketing as the unit became the world's largest photovoltaic company of the late 1980s. In 1990 he established a private solar energy consultancy to offer his expertise in photovoltaic systems integration and engineering to an international clientele. Work with Photocomm Inc. (subsequently Golden Genesis Corp.) in the mid-1990s led to his present executive role with Kyocera, after Kyocera acquired Golden Genesis in 1999. Prior to his current responsibilities, he served as Kyocera Solar, Inc.'s vice president of operations, vice president of manufacturing and engineering, and vice president of sales and marketing.

In addition to his role at Kyocera, Tom Dyer serves as a director of the non-profit Solar Electric Power Association (which facilitates solutions for the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities, electric service providers, and their customers); vice chairman of the Solar Alliance (a state-based advocacy group of companies involved in the design, manufacture, construction and financing of PV systems); and is on the board of the Solar Energy Industries Association (the national U.S. trade association for the solar industry).

SOLAR THERMAL-TODAY AND TOMORROW

Bill Guiney, Renewable Energy Solutions Program Manager - Johnson Controls

Bill will provide a discussion of the supply and demand side applications of solar thermal technologies; including the current status of the industry, systems being offered today, and where the market will be down the road.

Bill Guiney's areas of responsibility at Johnson Controls include both photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies. Bill has 27 years of experience in the solar industry as a contractor, educator, distributor and manufacturer. Bill has provided renewable energy and energy efficiency training programs and currently is an instructor for solar thermal energy systems at the North Carolina and Florida Solar Energy Centers. Bill is on the solar thermal technical committee of the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) and provides the Solar Thermal Exam Preparatory Training for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

SOLAR RAYS AHEAD

Lisa Frantzis, Renewable and Distributed Energy Managing Director - Navigant Consulting

Ms. Frantzis will discuss the current status of photovoltaic technology in terms of economics, key markets, barriers and recently utility activity. She will specifically cover the potential for PV throughout the U.S. by state given the roof area available for building sited PV installations on residential and commercial buildings. Incentives for market development will be covered along with potential future enhancements to market acceptance such as the Smart Grid and storage technology.

Lisa Frantzis has 29 years of experience in managing extensive technical, market, and economic analyses of renewable energy systems and is recognized for her depth of knowledge and technical and strategic expertise. Her clients include policy makers, equipment manufacturers, oil companies, developers, utility companies, environmental groups, investors, and local, state, and federal governments. She has worked at high levels of government agencies to understand the effectiveness of government policies for renewable energy. She is on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Renewable Energy, was a Vice President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England, and is a member of the American Wind Energy Association, as well as other renewable energy organizations. She has authored many journal articles and has been quoted in the New York Times, Business Week, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Financial Times and other key publications on renewable energy issues.