Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Solarfun" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: SOLF), a global manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers, photovoltaic ("PV") cells, and modules, announces the opening of an office in Lille, France, to enhance its service to customers and partners in the region. France is an important PV market in Europe with forecast installed capacity in excess of 600 MW for 2010. Solarfun's French installed base is expected to grow to approximately 15 MW in 2010, driven by established relationships with leading developers like Ecostream, Scatec, and Meridian.
Dr. Peter Xie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solarfun, commented, "Our expansion and investment in France is a sound strategy, as the French market is a top priority for us in Europe, in addition to Germany and Italy." The new Solarfun office, located near Paris, will increase regional access to Solarfun's innovative and high-quality solar products and provide technical and marketing support for utility, commercial, and residential customers.
Mr. Laurent Bodin will head Solarfun's French operations as the company's Country Manager of Business Development & Operations. Prior to joining Solarfun, Mr. Bodin worked for Huber Suhner France, focusing on renewable and PV energy business development. Previously, Mr. Bodin was an area sales manager at Prysmian France Cables & Systems covering regional sales of cables and cable systems for utilities, engineering, OEM markets, and the petrochemical industry.
"I am pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Bodin to our team," said Andreas Liebheit, VP and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Solarfun. "His addition to our Business Development and Operations team is an important part of our growth strategy in Europe. Mr. Bodin's market knowledge and relationships in France will help support our growing customer base in this important region."