Prior to establishing Suntech in 2001 Dr Zhengrong Shi was a senior research scientist in the Centre of Excellence for Photovoltaic Engineering in the University of NSW in Australia.

Suntech has since established itself as a leader in the advancement of solar module technology and currently employs over 200 solar scientists in research centres spanning three continents. Suntech's pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels.

Internal developments ranging from solar cell structure to anti-reflective coatings deliver excellent yield while intelligent frame design provides high resistance to hail, moisture, wind pressure and damage caused by freezing conditions.

Dr. Shi is the inventor for 15 patents in PV technologies, has published papers and articles in scientific journals and has also presented at numerous conferences. Dr Shi is considered a global authority on solar technology and in 2009 was presented the World Technology Award for Energy in recognition of his pioneering work in solar power since 1988.

The San Francisco International Airport is host to a 445kW PV system comprised exclusively of Suntech modules. The system produces an annual energy saving of 3.4 million kilowatt hours, translating to approximately US$278,600 of energy savings annually.

From top to bottom: Inside a research laboratory at Suntech; The 445kW Suntech PV system installed upon San Francisco International Airport.

Feature image: A Suntech building integrated solar PV system on Kanazawa Bus Station, Japan.

Suntech has a team of 700 quality control professionals who execute one of the most detailed and disciplined quality control and inspection processes in the industry. This ensures that all Suntech solar modules meet the most rigorous international standards.

The company recently upgraded its standard 5 year Limited Product Warranty to a remarkable 10 year warranty agreement. This applies to all standard modules produced by Suntech from April 2011 onwards.

Above: A Suntech employee inspects solar modules.

Suntech recently developed its outstanding Pluto technology in collaboration with the University of New South Wales and modules harnessing this technology were recently installed on the premises of the Sydney Theatre Company.

The system supplies 70% of the company's energy and reduces CO₂ emissions by around 500 tonnes a year. $2 million of project funding for the system was provided by Dr Shi, CEO of Suntech and alumnus of UNSW.

Above: The launch of the Sydney Theatre Warf Theatre solar PV system.

Milestones & Awards

2006
Suntech Chairman and CEO Dr Zhengrong Shi was invited to join the International Advisory Committee of the New York Stock Exchange by NYSE President Catherine Kinney and General Manager James McDonald.

2008
Suntech was presented the Solar Energy Development Company of the Year award by US consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

2009
Suntech's breakthrough Pluto Technology set a new world record for solar cell conversion efficiency of 19% independently verified by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.

2009
Suntech Chairman and CEO, Dr Shi received the World Technology Award for Energy for his pioneering work in Solar Power since 1988.

2011
Suntech was honoured with the Global Leader Award 2011 from Murphy & Spitz, one of the most experienced sustainability investment firms in Germany. The report praised Suntech for its exceptional environmental, health and safety (EH&S) practices and transparency.

SMA

With a history spanning thirty years, SMA is widely recognised as the global leader in inverter technology, a natural result of its emphasis on precision, safety and forward-thinking principles. For further information on SMA, click here.

Hyundai

Heavy industry corporation Hyundai has vast manufacturing experience in the areas of electronics, transport, construction and robotics. Since its initial foray into solar in 2005, Hyundai has swiftly established a significant presence in the industry. To learn more about Hyundai, click here.