M+W Energy appoints new president

The EPC is specialized in solar power, and is a strong advocate of community solar, while fully serving the C&I and the utility solar segments. The company was ranked 15th out of 500 EPCs this year by Solar Power World.

Brown previously served as President of Utility System Business & EVP of Global Business Development at First Solar and Senior Vice President, Microgrids, at NRG Energy. He was also the Chief Commercial Officer at Beacon Power LLC. On his appointment, Brown said, “I look forward to building on the existing business and leading the company into the era of energy storage systems, hybrid energy systems, and microgrids in the US and abroad.”

Brown also brings a banking background to the company, which has the deep pockets of its German parent to finance deals, a potential business pursuit in the future, Shinn noted at InterSolar North America. Brown worked at HSBC Global Banking and Markets, WestLB, Societe Generale Corporate and Investment Banking, and JPMorgan Chase.

“I am delighted to welcome Jim to the team.  His extensive industry experience will be invaluable to us as M+W Energy continues to grow its portfolio of services in the utility-scale solar market,” said Ron Oakley, CEO of M+W Americas.

M+W Energy (formerly Gehrlicher Solar until July 2016) has been recognized as a top-tier U.S. solar EPC as its total installed base will have grown to an estimated 750 MW this year from from 75 MW in 2013. The company is on track to commission over 300 MW across fifty-plus project sites from Massachusetts to California as it continues to build portfolios of projects for top-tier investors.

Looking toward a future when the installation of utility-scale solar finally ebbs, M+W sees a continuing boom in the 25 MW to 50 MW space, encompassing C&I solar projects. Apart from U.S. projects, Mexico will be a key target for M+W Energy within North America. The company’s core operations span the market from big box rooftop installations and net metered distributed generation, to medium-sized ground installations and utility-scale power plants.

When M+W (then Gerlicher) was selected for the 75 MW Redwood City project for 8minutenergy Renewables in Kern County, California, an 8minute official noted that “After a rigorous due diligence process, Gehrlicher Solar America stood out due to the depth of its technical expertise, solid reputation and because it has an impressive track record. We look forward to partnering with them on the construction of these projects.”