ReThink Energy – Solar Thermal Could Stage Comeback at Higher Temperatures (ENG)

Solar thermal heaters could stage comeback at higher temperatures

18 March 2021

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It’s tempting to view solar thermal heaters as an old, boring tech- nology compared to solar photovoltaics. More photovoltaics are installed worldwide, supplying twice as much energy, with sever- al times more GW installed each year, accelerating more swiftly. Photovoltaics are enjoying adoption at scale in every major econ- omy other than Mexico and Russia, whereas solar thermal has depended more on local conditions, both sunlight and policy incentives.

Traditional solar thermal heaters are pedestrian, reaching high temperature only sporadically in the summer. Instead it has been combinations of solar, wind, green hydrogen, and batteries which have made headlines promising to decarbonize various indus- tries by 2050. 

But for Gilbert Farina, VP Sales and Marketing of Swiss startup TVP Solar, it is photovoltaics which are the “old technology”. 

A third of global energy demand is industrial, and eighty percent of that is heat. TVP believes its High Vacuum Solar Thermal Flat Plates, which don’t use mirrors, can enter a vast array of markets worldwide – this startup has immense ambition.

TVP solar thermal district heating in Geneva, Switzerland

TVP’s solar panels contain a vacuum – the perfect insulation, and transparent. With vastly lower thermal losses, this is a new kind of solar heater, one which can supply up to 200 degrees Celsius – and it has certifications to prove it, from Europe’s ISO Solar Keymark and the USA’s SRCC. That’s unique among solar thermal collectors and is hot enough for a large segment of the world’s industrial processes.

TVP Solar designs solar thermal fields to continuously deliver the client-required temperatures at the same level, in almost any sunlight conditions. Wintertime is of particular interest, with its lower hours of sunlight, where TVP Solar systems can still supply the desired temperature, with algorithmic adjustment to the flow rate according to customer needs. This same approach of modifying the flow rate to maintain temperature has been seen in Vast Solar’s recent concentrated solar power (CSP) power plants in Australia. In contrast, the old type of solar heater will often languish at 20°C or 30°C, only reaching 80°C in ideal summertime conditions.

Some opportunities mentioned by Farina included desalination, refrigeration, cooling – the latter seen in a 2018 Kuwait installation already. “One third of the world needs thermal” says Farina, mentioning cooling systems for offices, space heating, water sanitation, even cooking. District heating is a huge market in the countries which have it –TVP Solar has already installed a solar plant for district heat in its hometown of Geneva, Switzerland, and is in talks with a European utility to introduce district heating to a new neighborhood.

Farina sees his company highly varying its offering according to every market, even between North and South England, Canada to Brazil, and he mentions California as an opportunity for process heat and cooling in the same breath as Kuwait and the Gulf.

“One of the unique value propositions of the company is to deliver the cheapest thermal power possible on earth, to a very large variety of applications at the best possible price.” He continued, “We are not a company that produces a fancy new toy that works eventually but is very expensive. We can use diffused light, we guarantee the vacuum for 20 years, we don’t cost more than other solar heaters, and we have an industrial facility that has been invented and patented to go large-scale.”

Similar to many of the perovskite PV startups which are springing up, TVP Solar is looking at licensing and rapid manufacturing expansion to ramp up very quickly. Its proprietary IP includes components and the manufacturing method of the High Vacuum Flat Plates. Even with a licensing strategy, its current manufacturing capacity is 120,000 square meters, equivalent to about 80 MW thermal. Also comparable to the perovskite startups, TVP Solar claims a 20-fold interest from clients, with looming purchases at 20 times the scale of trials.

Industrial process thermal energy is the biggest hurdle to reaching net-zero global emissions. Renewable electricity, in the form of the solar-wind-hydrogen-batteries alliance, while dominant in grid power, will require multiple energy transformations to supply heat. Specifically, it will have to first go from solar or wind to electricity, then from electricity to heat: and if energy storage is used in the form of either a battery or green hydrogen, that adds a third step. Each transformation involves an energy loss, as well as its own infrastructure, including potentially trillions of dollars globally on grid transmission upgrades.

With a thermal solar heater, you have just one transformation, from sunlight to heat – and energy storage is simply a bank of hot liquid in an insulated container, no extra process.

Per TVP, its product is three to four times more efficient than silicon PV for heating over 100°C. As such, it will still be more effective for thermal than the thin-film tandem photovoltaics of the 2030 and 2040s. TVP’s panels are 100% recyclable, which is a major contrast to today’s silicon PV, though this advantage will also be eroded by future forms of PV.TVP solar cooling plant in Sulaibiya, Kuwait

TVP’s solar thermal panels can claim to be more convenient than silicon PV as a rooftop installation in some other ways – slightly heavier than photovoltaics but still able to be carried by workmen, they need less cleaning, have no need for trackers, less need for racking, and is less impacted by shading. In the Kuwait project installed on a building in 2018, even covered in dust the TVP panels were performing at over 85% of nominal without any cleaning effort.

It’s a little misleading to directly compare electrical watts with thermal watts, but 650 thermal Watts per square meter will exceed even the next-gen photovoltaics of the 2040s in power per unit area – a metric which can be the limiting factor of a commercial rooftop installation. TVP’s flat panels use pretty much the whole space, like a solar module, but unlike a traditional tube-based solar heater.

TVP’s patented High Vacuum technology merits further description – it includes an internal “getter pump” system, guaranteed to maintain the vacuum for twenty years. So once the light reaches the TVP panel, it’s in much the same medium it was in as it travelled to Earth from the Sun – a void which doesn’t allow any rogue energy to be dissipated. Only a tenth of solar radiation gets through the atmosphere, so this is roughly comparable to how much the sun would heat you up if you were in outer space, at the Asteroid belt’s distance, with no route for heat to dissipate by conduction.

The vacuum results in a pressure on the panel of ten tons per square meter – TVP has developed a patented internal structure to spread out this pressure and create a working commercial product. Installers have to wear ear defenders just in case they break a panel – while rare, mishandling could result in a very loud bang.

Farina passionately criticizes the habit of rating PV and solar heaters according to their peak power rating – peak power is simply an instantaneous measure, when end-users need consistent energy supply. That supply is what TVP offers their clients, not averages or peaks.

The setup is powerful enough to produce high temperatures anywhere, impacted only mildly by dust or clouds – thanks to the type of irradiation it relies on. Even in a Swiss winter, this technology stays above 80°C, as proven in the recently inaugurated Geneva solar district heating plant. TVP could even produce 160°C in European climes, as it has shown in their installation with Martini & Rossi in Northern Italy. Overall there are thousands of potential customers which can take advantage of solar-driven thermal decarbonization solutions.

Behind all this is the pressure to decarbonize by 2050. The EU’s carbon market in particular is cranking up constantly, forcing industry to decarbonize one way or another.

Source: https://rethinkresearch.biz/articles/solar-thermal-heaters-could-stage-comeback-at-higher-temperatures/​

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Salvatore Incarnato

Project Manager

General & Admin

Salvatore joined TVP in 2018, being the Project Manager of several large scale solar thermal plants in Europe mainly for industrial process heat or district heating. He contributed to develop the internal EPC practices within TVP field engineering department as well as the relationship with key suppliers and sub-contractors. He supports the sales team in the pre-sale quotes and bid to tenders. 

He has 10+ years of experience in techno-economic project management as project team coordinator, focal point interfacing the client, actual vs budget controller, project planner, coordinator of procurement, suppliers, subcontractors, managing change orders, and reporting on quality & non-conformities. From engineering to commissioning and systems start-up. From  2010 to 2017 as Project Manager at Artes Ingegneria, he has been exposed mainly to oil & gas and water treatment projects, in Europe and Middle East. He cooperated with some of the biggest EPC companies like Technip, Saipem, Petrofac, CB&I for some of the largest worldwide energy players like Saudi Aramco, Total, Shell, Lukoil.

Salvatore holds a degree in chemical engineering from Federico II University of Naples.

Lova R. Rhyn

Administration Manager

General & Admin

Lova joined TVP in 2021, being the primary liaison for all administrative and financial matters. She has been instrumental in cultivating strong client and supplier relationships, facilitating internal communications and procedures while ensuring seamless office operations. She has 10+ years of experience in supporting top-level executives and cross-functional teams. Her areas of expertise encompass tax compliance, accounting oversight, meticulous creditor and debtor management, and comprehensive HR functions. Armed with a background in International Business Management from the University of Applied Sciences in Geneva, coupled with extensive hands-on experience as a Lawyer Assistant and Executive Assistant at leading law and audit firm, Lova honed her skills in navigating complex financial landscapes and managing multifaceted operations.

Stefano Piantedosi

Head of Finance & Control

General & Admin

Stefano joined TVP in 2022, responsible for administration, finance and control of the Italian subsidiary Tresol Srl. He leads the accounting, tax and fiscal reporting and cash flow management. He coordinates the relationship with banks and insurances. He contributes to grant funding applications and reporting.

He has 20+ years of experience in the renewable energy sector, infrastructure investments and industrial cost controlling. From 2007 to 2022 he was Head of Finance & Treasury at IVPC Group, a leading wind power developer with Euro 5 billion renewable infrastructure assets under management, making Euro 250 million revenues per year. At IVPC he was in charge for budgeting, cash flow management and financial statements preparation according to CEE standards. He also contributed to several project financing and M&A deals. Prior to IVPC, he was business controller at IT Holding Group, a leading industrial company in apparel and accessories, in charge for cost control of subsidiaries, several manufacturing plants, various product lines and distribution channels.

Stefano holds a degree in business administration at Federico II University of Naples and a master in marketing management at SDA Bocconi.  

Andrea Abbate

HR Director

General & Admin

Andrea joined TVP in 2020, responsible for HR of the Italian subsidiary Tresol Srl which counts a workforce of 150+ employees. He leads the scouting, hiring, training, staffing, payroll, employees management and their career development. He coordinates the relationship with unions and manpower agencies. Since 2022 he is a member of the board of directors of Tresol.

He has 20+ years of experience in environmental protection, waste-to-energy engineering and HR management. From 2012 to 2018 he was Technical & HSE Director at SAPNA Spa, a leading waste management company serving 92 cities and 3 million inhabitants. He was in charge for operation and maintenance of 16 sites among waste treatment plants, warehouses and landfills, coordinating 300+ employees. Prior to SAPNA, in 2010 he was HSE Manager at GISEC, in 2008-2009 at FIBE SPA managing 7 waste treatment plants and 16 landfills. From 2024 to 2026 at joint venture Fisia/Impregilo/Babcock he was Assistant to the Construction Manager of a Euro 240 million waste power plant. From 1999 to 2023 HSE Manager at Impregilo for the construction of 7 waste treatment plants for total Euro 170 million and prior for the US Navy Hospital in Gricignano. As environmental protection specialist he was involved in 15+ engineering projects with a value of Euro 20M+.  

Andrea is a qualified health, security and environmental manager, with a degree in civil engineering from Federico II University of Naples.   

Anna Maria Ammendola

HSE Manager

General & Admin

Joined TVP in 2010; leads health, safety and environmental management, developing and implementing health and safety plans, enforcing policies, assessing risk, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety laws.

She has 20+ years of experience in preparing and enforcing policies to establish a culture of health and safety, evaluate practices, procedures and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law, monitor compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations, inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions, investigate accidents or incidents to discover causes, recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures, report on health and safety awareness, issues and statistics. She is a qualified trainer for environmental, health and safety matters and accident prevention.

From 2005 to 2010 she was a HSE Manager for Eco-Resolution, Sicem Saga. From 2003 to 2005 she was a consultant for the Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Campania.

Anna Maria holds a degree in chemical engineering at University of Naples.

Francesco Rinaldi

Quality Assurance Manager

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2018; leads the QA control team in the production of solar thermal high vacuum panels. QA scope covers the entire product production flow: from inbound controls on raw materials, to semi-finished goods and assemblies, up to the finished product. He focuses on analysis and implementation of applicable quality requirements, supervision of suppliers through audits, testimony for F.A.I. and KPI monitoring as well as internal NC and customer management using 8D. He contributes to continuous improvement of process and product quality.

He has 15+ years of experience as production and quality manager and engineer. Prior to TVP he worked in the aerospace industry. From 2005 to 2013 at GMA as Quality Manager and previously Technical Manager in charge for QA control in the production of electromechanical control equipment for the defense sector.

Francesco holds a degree in mechanical engineering from University of Naples.

Fiore Iuliano

Production Manager

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2022; leads the manufacturing of solar thermal high vacuum panels. He manages a production line with 100+ line operators running in continuous cycle 24/7. He focuses on throughput, also wip and bill of material management. He cooperates with the industrial engineering department to set the instructions of the production processes, on production machinery upgrading, factory layout and workflow optimization. Joined TVP as deputy production manager.

He has 15+ years of experience as production manager and engineer. Prior to TVP he worked in the aerospace industry. From 2013 to 2022 at CAM Compositi he was deputy production manager of composite materials. From 2011 at DEMA he was responsible for sheet metal and galvanic department. He started his career at designer of internal combustion engines at FIAT Power Train in the automotive industry.

Fiore holds a degree in mechanical engineering at University of Naples.

Rosario Iameo

IT Manager

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2009; leads software development, electrical/electronic design and installation, and data acquisition. He contributes to the development of automatic measurement and monitoring systems for analyzing the performance of solar thermal plants and high-vacuum solar thermal panels as well as of R&D custom equipment. Responsible for the installation, electrical maintenance and upgrade of industrial ovens, climatic chambers, vacuum pumps, lathes, milling machines and solar simulators.

He has 15+ years of experience in industrial engineering and R&D focused on data acquisition systems and IT networking.

Rosario holds a degree in information technology at University of Naples and a Master course in Project Management at Bologna Business School.

Alessandro Vitagliano

Industrial Engineering Manager

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2021; leads industrial engineering of special manufacturing processes, set-up, automation, control, upgrading of production machineries, data analysis and monitoring of production wip and yield as well as technology transfer. He contributes to the development and update of a TVP proprietary real time manufacturing supervision control system.

He has more than 15 years of experience as industrial and quality engineer. Prior to TVP he worked in the aerospace industry. From 2017 to 2021 at APM and previously from 2015 at Moreggia, as HSEQ, in charge for quality control in production of parts and services for several primary structures on different airplane programs (Boeing 787, Airbus A380/A220, ATR, Cessna). From 2013 at Geven, as DSQR, in charge for on Middle East and USA suppliers qualification and quality management. He started his career at Meth Engineering as consultant and FAI inspector for Alenia AerMacchi.  He is a qualified Auditor Aviation, Space and Defence according to UNI EN 9100:2016.

Alessandro holds a degree in aerospace engineering at University of Naples.

“Peter” Deng Liang

Country Manager China

Business Dev

Joined TVP in 2019; coordinates local supply chain establishment, sales network development, product local certification and qualification to local subsidies as well as interacts with local authorities.

From 2015 to 2018 he was Sales Manager and Procurement Specialist at Premier Solar Technologies in Dubai, solution provider for solar heat & cool for commercial buildings. Prior he was at Broad Air Conditioning, in Changsha global leader in absorption chillers where over 10 years he covered various technical & business development roles up to Regional Sales Manager for Middle East.

Peter holds a mechanical engineering degree from University of Hunan.

Dimitrios Papageorgiou

Innovation Fund Manager

Business Dev

Joined TVP in 2020; responsible for identifying and assessing research & innovation funding programs, elaborate proposals and organizing consortia.

He has 20+ years of experience in applied research and innovation consultancy, being involved in more than 200 hundred RTD and innovation proposals as well as 20 EU funded projects. From 2015 to 2019 Head of the Proposal Preparation Team at Information Technology Institute (ITI). From 2008 to 2014 Research and Innovation Consultant at INTERIN. From 2203 to 2007 Head of Development at Q-Plan. Prior was a Management Consultant at Atlantis Consulting.

Dimitrios holds an MBA from ALBA Business School and a mechanical engineering degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)

Silvio Sparano

Head Oil & Gas

Business Dev

Joined TVP in 2021; leads business development and sales origination with oil & gas players, engineering of steam and thermal storage-based solutions, partnership with thermal storage suppliers. 

He has 20+ years of experience in oil downstream (refining & petrochemicals, trading, logistics, sales & marketing). He managed assets & capital-intensive projects, led operations and business development both in mature and developing markets. He was with Total Energies for 12 years: 2012-2014 Director of Operations & Finance at Total Vostok in Russia; 2010-2012 at Total Lubricans in Romania; previously Corporate Auditor in Paris and Refinery Optimizer in London and Martigues (FR). From 2014 to 2016 he was Financial Manager Supply at Puma Energy (subsidiary of Trafigura) in South Africa. From 2017 to 2019 Director Supply & Operations at Jovena in Madagascar.

Silvio holds a master’s degree in Oil Refining at IFP in Paris and a degree in chemical engineering.

Guglielmo Cioni

Chief Business Development Officer

Business Dev

Joined TVP in 2018; leads business development with EU energy utilities, partnership with infrastructure project developers, origination for project development, new business models, new applications, CO2 strategy, innovation funding, lobbying within industry association and gov’ts. He is the Chairman of Solar Heat Europe association.

He has 25+ years of experience in international business development with focus on energy, renewables and carbon assets; and he is an expert evaluator for the EU Commission. From 2008 to 2013 he was General Manager at Green Initiative Carbon Assets SA, the first ever EU private carbon fund (€60 million AUM). In 2011 he founded Eranova Climate, a sales & marketing agency for clean tech start-ups. Prior he served for 15 years as a Director at Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE) mainly working in Poland and China. 

Guglielmo holds a nuclear engineering degree from University of Pisa and master in finance from Solvay Business School in Brussels.

Yoghesh Moghekar

Head of Pre-Sale Engineering

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2020; leads engineering and system integration assessment during pre-sale phase as well as end-client site surveys. 

From 2003 to 2020 he was Head of Services at Oil & Petrochem Division of Forbes Marshall, a leading Indian player in energy conservation and process efficiency along with control instrumentations.

Leading a team of 40 engineers he was responsible for techno commercial, audit & design of steam/condensate systems for process industries like refineries, fertilizers & petrochemical plants. He also coordinated several turnkey projects execution & management in industrial plants. He supported marketing and sales divisions and was also in charge for post-sale services.

Yogesh holds a degree in mechanical engineering at Y.B. Patil Politechnic in Pune.

Roberto Vitobello

Head of Field Engineering

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2019; leads engineering, procurement and construction of TVP solar plants.

He has 20 years of engineering experience in the energy, renewable and power sector. From 2012 to 2018 he was Technical Director in charge for project engineering at Elettrovit, a leading developer of high-voltage power line & MV/LV transformers. Prior he was founder and partner of Nexio, an engineering company specialized in HVAC deployments for large clients (e.g. H&M, Mont Blanc) and renewable energy. He engineered and supervised construction of wind and PV systems for industrial clients. He is a qualified Lead Auditor for industrial processes/ISO at quality certified agency CSQ. Started his career as researcher at CNR.

Roberto holds a degree in telecommunication engineering from University of Naples.

Matteo Monti

Head of R&D

Engineering

Matteo joined TVP in 2017 to develop and improve materials, processes, and formulations applied to high-vacuum devices and new products. He provides technical assistance in the areas of material selection, engineering, experimental techniques and manufacturing processes.

Prior to TVP he had 7 years of international experience as researcher focused on design, assembly and deposition of new materials for thin-film/coating and related process & equipment production development under contract with tier-1 R&D centres: Stanford University/USA; Sandia National Labs/USA; Lawrence Berkley National Labs California/USA; Spanish National Research Council/Spain, National Distance Education of Madrid/Spain, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven/Belgium. During his scientific career he was awarded with several grants and fellowships and he was author of 20 scientific peer-reviewed publications. Matteo holds a Ph.D. in material science and engineering at Stanford University (USA), MS and Ph.D. in physics at Universidad Autonoma di Madrid (Spain) and a degree in chemical science at University of Padova.

F. Di Giamberardino

VP Product Engineering

Engineering

Joined TVP in 2008; leads engineering of high-vacuum solar thermal panel and related production machineries.

He has 35+ years of experience in engineering of high-vacuum products produced in millions of units per year; from blueprint to upgrades and mass manufacturing.

From 1984 to 2008 Product Development Manager at Thomson (now Videocon), he coordinated the design, engineering and standardization of 35 releases of cathode ray tubes (CRT) televisions sizing from 14 to 62”. His products were mass produced over 15 years with a rate of 24 million sets per year. He supervised introduction of new releases in 6 production facilities globally. He was also responsible for patent infringement control. Prior he was at ENEA Research Centre, the Italian national bureau of alternative energy.

Author of 3 patents, Francesco holds a degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Rome.

Florent Saunier

Country Manager Switzerland

Sales

Joined TVP in 2017; leads deal sourcing, development of channel partner, direct sales and access to national and cantonal subsidies in Switzerland.

Previously he was in sales operations at Nissan Automotive, in charge for market analysis, business cases analysis, investor negotiations support, franchising managers performance monitoring, development of a mid-term plan strategy tool (2015-2016), contributing to the opening of 32 new dealerships. Then as Sales Operation Officer (2016-2017) he was in charge of continuity and development of sales & CRM tools for all Western Europe dealerships.

Florent holds master in entrepreneurship at Grenoble Ecole de Management and a degree in micro & nano technologies (EPFL, Politecnico di Torino, Grenoble INP Phelma).

Jonathan Koifman

Head Channel Partner Development

Sales

Joined TVP in 2010; leads partner and channel sales development globally, as well as direct sales in the USA.

He has 12 years of experience at TVP building partnership programs, engagement processes linking sales with engineering, and tools. The network currently spans over 10 countries, with more than 15 partners. Previously he was Commercial & Investment Real Estate Sales Associate at CORE Group in New York (2009-2010), Capital Introduction Specialist /Marketing & Client Services at the Royal Bank of Canada (2007-2008) and Financial Analyst for International Real Returns (2005-2007).

Jonathan holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and a B.A. in English Literature, both from Bucknell University in Lewisburg (USA).

Florent Bicanic

Country Manager - France

Sales

Joined TVP in 2021; leads deal sourcing, development of channel partner, direct sales and access to national and regional subsidies in France.

He has 20 years of experience as manager focusing on sales organization set-up in the energy sector in France. Among his mandates he was Regional Director at Weishaupt in geothermal and Key Account Manager at BDR Thermea specialized in HVAC solutions. For 12 years Techno-Commercial Manager at Giordano Industries, leading French renewable and solar thermal solution provider. Prior at Total Energies he was Regional Sales Director in Reunion Island.

Florent holds a degree in economics and business administration from ICD in Paris.

Hans-Joerg Felbick

Country Manager - Germany

Sales

Joined TVP in 2021; leads deal sourcing, sales, development of channel partner, bidding to tenders and business development in district heating with local utilities and authorities in Germany and Austria.

He has 25+ years of experience in C-level management, entry and sales organization set-up of foreign high-tech and renewable companies in the German energy sector, with extensive track record in power, CHP and district heating projects. For 11 years he was MD of Brugg Pipesystem AG focusing on sales to district heating operators. Prior he introduced and grew in Germany sales organization of technology and renewable energy companies like Redex (FR), Dinamic Oil, Enginion and Comer (IT). Started his career at Deutsche Babcock for power plants, then for 7 years in Geneva at Caterpillar.  

Hans-Jörg holds a degree in business administration from University of Köln.

Marcelo Leite

Country Manager - Brazil

Sales

Joined TVP in 2014; leads direct sales, development of channel partner, business development, key account management in Brazil and LATAM.

From 2009 to 2013 he was Sales Manager at National Oilwell Varco and previously at Galcorr Seguros focusing on the oil & gas market. From 2004 to 2008 he was at PWC in the management consulting division as Supervisor mainly involved in organizational restructuring projects.

Marcelo holds an MBA from Brazilian Institute of Markets and Capital (IBMEC) and a degree in business administration from Candido Mendes University.

Gilbert Farina

VP Sales

Sales

Joined TVP in 2017; leads global sales expansion and go-to-market, sales engagement process, sales value proposition, sales channels development, key account management with multinational corporations.

He has 30+ years of experience in high-tech company int’l sales and sales organizations growth to billions in revenues, mostly via enterprise sales and B2B. From 1995 to 2012 at Hewlett-Packard with various roles: 2006-2012 VP Sales EMEA growing revenue from $1.7 to $3.4 billion; 2003-2006 VP & GM PSG France; 1997-2003 GM Africa; 1995-1996 Corporate Channel Development Manager Europe. From 2012 to 2015 he was Chief Commercial Officer at CIS Group, an ICT solution provider active in 30 countries in the MENA region. From 2015 to 2017 he acted as senior advisor for Swiss high-tech start-ups: darTZeel, Windsoft, Optimiso.

Gilbert holds an electrical engineering degree from University of Geneva and YMP at INSEAD.

Francesco Vitobello

COO and VP Industrial Engineering

Management

Joined TVP in 2012; coordinates manufacturing, industrial engineering, maintenance, HR and HSE. Leads quality control and ISO-based certifications, suppliers and supply chain management, upgrade of the production line and related processes and machineries, technical procurement, product and related parts qualification for volume production, troubleshooting.

He has 20+ years of experience in quality control/audit, planning and management of industrial processes and process engineering: from design to qualification for volume production, certification and technology transfer.  He is a qualified Lead Auditor for industrial processes/ISO at quality certifier CSQ. From 2002 to 2012 he was a researcher at the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy in charge of technology transfer, and process engineering for several start-ups: Nexio, Incept, Siris Italia, Airq Networks. Prior he was head of the networking division at Softplumbers, a Geneva-based ICT start-up. He started his career as a fellow at CNR.

Francesco holds a degree in electronic engineering at University of Naples.

Michele Merola

Head of Manufacturing

Management

Joined TVP in 2018; leads manufacturing with focus on throughput, yield, workflow, organization and layout optimization, driven by quality standards.

He has 25+ years of experience in manufacturing of glass-based products in millions of units per year.

From 2010 to 2017 he was Production Engineer Manager of the largest EU production site of Asahi Glass Corporation (AGC, worldwide leader in mass-produced glass products) focused on glass lamination and coating. He was member of AGC central R&D group in Brussels. Prior he matured 10-year experience in the glass industry as Production Manager at Fining Group and Sangalli Vetro, and 16 years in the metallurgic industry as Process Manager at Laminazione Sottile Spa. During his career he implemented TQM, SPC, TPM and SEM for quality and management control.

Michele holds a degree in chemical engineering at University of Naples.

Sofia Abbate

CFO

Management

Sofia joined TVP Solar in 2013, responsible for financial reporting and planning, debt raising and investor relations, administration and control. She coordinated application and reporting to several EU and national funding programs/grants to support CAPEX in manufacturing equipment and R&D.

She has 15+ years of experience in PE growth stage companies equity and debt financing as well as compliancy.

From 2011 to 2013, she was Investment Manager at Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR, the Italian government-sponsored Private Equity firm (>€1 billion AUM), in charge of investment due diligence and execution. She contributed to the definition of a co-investment agreement with the European Investment Fund for over €200 million. From 2008 to 2010 she was Investment Analyst at Idea Capital Funds SGR, the largest Private Equity firm in Italy (€2 billion AUM).

Sofia holds a degree in corporate finance from Bocconi University in Milan.

Vittorio Palmieri

Founder & CTO

Management

Co-Founder of TVP in 2008; leads design, R&D, engineering and patenting of TVP innovations in high-vacuum technology, products as well as production machineries.

He has 20+ years of experience as scientist and inventor of disruptive high-vacuum insulation technologies: from conceiving to prototyping and deployment. From 2004 to 2007 Founder and MD at SRB Energy, a CERN renewable energy spin-off, that he successfully exited. From 2000 to 2004 he was Director at venture capital firm myQube, responsible for the Geneva office, spin-offs and technology due diligence. Prior, at CERN, he led the RD39 collaboration contributing to the development of the Large Hardon Collider.

He is author of 12 patents and was awarded a prize from the University of Bern for the discovery of the Lazarus Effect in semiconductor detectors.

Vittorio holds a Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of Bern.

Piero Abbate

Founder & CEO

Management

Co-founder of TVP in 2008; leads vision, strategy, int’l expansion, team building, fundraising, marketing & PR, sales offering & pricing, M&A, and energy infrastructure investments.

He has 20+ years of experience as entrepreneur, manager and investor in high-tech companies: from financing to growth, global build-up and exit. From 1999 to 2007, he was Co-Founder and Partner at myQube, a venture capital firm with operating offices in Geneva, Helsinki, Milan, Munich and Palo Alto, focused on high-tech early-stage investments in EU and USA. Hands-on private equity investor, his exits include: Netikos (expansion), TechEdge (seed), Etnoteam (turnaround), Fintech (secondary), German Networks (distressed). Prior to myQube, he was in the corporate finance division at Creditanstalt Investment Bank in London.

Piero holds a degree in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan.

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