Solaria adds two big names to its executive team

Solaria Corp., global provider of premium solar energy products, announced the appointment of Tony Alvarez, a veteran of the semiconductor and solar industries, to the role of Chief Executive Officer, and Howard Wenger, former President and CEO of SunPower Systems, to the role of President. Suvi Sharma, Solaria Founder, will lead strategy and growth initiatives.

“With a recent infusion of capital and introduction of ground-breaking 400 Watt panels, Solaria is poised to extend our lead in premium residential solar,” said Solaria founder Suvi Sharma. “We can best ensure success in that mission by expanding our team with proven and talented executives.

“To that end, I’m thrilled Tony Alvarez has agreed to take the reins at Solaria as CEO.  Tony’s experience guiding technology companies through significant growth phases will be invaluable as Solaria builds on its strengths. One of those strengths has been Howard Wenger’s support as company advisor and board member. Howard’s willingness to take an operational role as Solaria’s president is a tremendous vote of confidence. I look forward to working closely with Tony and Howard as we work to increase customer value.”

“Suvi and his team have built an extraordinary company, developing and delivering the industry’s most advanced solar technologies,” said Tony Alvarez. “I am proud to join such a talented group of individuals and help lead the way to the next level of success for Solaria as it expands on its leadership in premium residential solar.”

“Solaria is well-positioned to scale,” said Howard Wenger. “This is a classic story of a company that has persevered for more than 20 years and has built a great foundation of innovative industry-leading products. I’m energized to work even more closely with the fantastic Solaria team to help accelerate the company’s growth and contribute to a clean power future.”

Tony Alvarez’s experience includes 18 years at Cypress Semiconductor as senior vice president, the position of president & CEO of Altierre, and C-Level roles at Aptina Imaging, Advanced Analogic Technologies and Leadis Technology. Alvarez currently serves on the board of NexGen Power Systems and was chairman of the board of SunEdison Semiconductor. He has served on the boards of SunEdison, ChipMOS Technology and Validity Sensors and been a venture partner at Acero Capital. Mr. Alvarez earned bachelor and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Howard Wenger brings over 30 years of experience in solar power and utility electric systems, including a decade at SunPower Corporation as President, as well as President and CEO of SunPower Systems, the company’s turn-key power business. SunPower’s revenue grew from $200 million to over $3 billion during Wenger’s tenure. Wenger also served as Executive Vice President and board member of PowerLight Corporation, acquired by SunPower in 2007. Wenger is an active investor, advisor and board member for a number of companies and non-profits advancing clean power. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Solaria’s patented technology is leading the way in premium residential and commercial solar markets. Its flagship product, Solaria PowerXT, delivers greater than 20% efficiency, sleek Pure Black design with no visible circuitry, shade resistance, and proven reliability, all backed by a 25-year warranty. Solaria PowerXT panels, the choice of discerning installers and homeowners, are designed and engineered in the U.S.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/solaria-adds-two-big-names-to-its-executive-team/]