SunPower has made three appointments to its management team, each candidate bringing a wealth of solar-related experience to the company, according to company CEO Tom Werner (pictured). The three new additions are: Terry Jester, who will lead the team on SunPower’s U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar America Initiative contract; Ed Smeloff, Senior Manager, Utility Project Sales; and James Torpey as Director of market development. 

Ms. Jester’s most recent employ was as Senior Director of engineering and operations at SolarWorld, prior to which she held engineering and management positions with Shell Solar, Arco Solar and Siemens Solar. Current chair for California State University and a member of the National Center for Photovoltaics Advisory Board, Ms. Jester has three patents and has published more than 50 papers.

Mr. Smeloff joins the company from Sharp Solar, where he was Senior Manager for project sales.  He also worked as assistant General Manager for power policy, planning and resource development at San Francisco’s Public Utilities Commission, and was also a member of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors.

James Torpey joins SunPower as Director of market development, bringing 20 years’ experience in the solar industry to the role. His most recent role was as President of Madison Energy Consultants, prior to which he worked in management roles in the electric utility industry.  Mr. Torpey served as the National Chairman of the Solar Electric Power Association and also as the Policy Committee Chair for the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association.

SunPower Corporation is a solar cell manufacturer based in California.

By Síle Mc Mahon