SoloPower Prepares for Market Entry and Names Lou DiNardo as Interim CEO

SoloPower, a California-based manufacturer of thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, is accelerating into its next stage of growth as it prepares products for market introduction and nears high-volume manufacturing. As SoloPower enters this next stage of growth, semiconductor veteran Lou DiNardo has been appointed as the company’s interim president and CEO, succeeding co-founder Homayoun Talieh, who will remain closely involved with the company as a member of its board of directors.

After 25 years of senior operating experience at blue-chip semiconductor manufacturing companies including, Analog Devices, Inc., Linear technology and Intersil, DiNardo has worked with SoloPower from his current position as partner at Crosslink Capital, an early investor in SoloPower.

Mr. DiNardo joined Crosslink in January 2008 as a partner in the firm’s energy technologies and computing and semiconductor practices. Prior to joining Crosslink, DiNardo was a partner in the CleanTech practice at VantagePoint Venture Partners. Previously, Mr. DiNardo served as president and COO at Intersil Corporation (ISIL). Mr. DiNardo also served as president and CEO and co-chairman of the board of directors of Xicor Corporation from November 2000 through July 2004, when the company was acquired for more than $500 million by Intersil. Prior to joining Xicor, DiNardo was vice president and general manager of the mixed signal business unit at Linear Technology Corporation (LLTC) and held a variety of executive positions with the company during his 13-year tenure with the company. DiNardo began his career in the semiconductor industry at Analog Devices Corporation.

“SoloPower has begun the transition from a development stage company to commercial production,” said DiNardo. “We aim to begin high volume production in 2010. This transition requires leadership with experience running high-volume manufacturing companies, I am pleased to help position this company for its next phase of growth.”