Solar Power Partners appoints G. Robert Powell as president and CEO

MILL VALLEY, USA: Solar Power Partners Inc. announced that G. Robert Powell, formerly the company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Alexander von Welczeck, former President and CEO, will continue with the company as Chief Strategy Officer.

Powell joined SPP earlier this year after his role as CFO at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PG&E Corporation’s regulated California utility. Since his arrival, Powell’s vision, energy and utility background, and financial management experience have contributed significantly to the company’s growth as America’s premier independent solar power producer, said John Eastwood, SPP’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to have a recognized industry leader like Bob Powell at the helm at Solar Power Partners,” said Eastwood. “His extraordinary track record in the industry is a tremendous asset to SPP at this time of rapidly expanding business.

Combined with Alexander von Welczeck, who continues to make valuable contributions as Chief Strategy Officer, our management team is unrivaled in the industry.”

As Vice President and CFO, Powell oversaw SPP’s financial activities, which included working with financial partners, guiding the company’s overall finance strategy, and leading other corporate development functions. During his tenure as CFO of PG&E, the company completed both long and short-term financings in addition to executing power purchase contracts in the solar, wind, and biomass sectors.

Prior to PG&E, Powell was a Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s national energy practice. Previously, Powell was a Partner at Arthur Andersen LLP’s worldwide energy and communications practice where he managed numerous project financing transactions. He is a CPA and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Management, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Solar Power Partners is transforming the way schools and public agencies embrace solar energy with its ‘no capital down’ power purchase agreement business model,” said Powell.

“With 37 systems and nearly 13 megawatts operational and more nearing completion, SPP has generated significant growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction in fewer than three years, and is clearly in the industry vanguard. I am very pleased to work with the best team in the business to move solar energy forward -- one school, university, airport, water district, and utility at a time -- throughout California and across the country.”