PV microinverters: Enphase Energy opens offices in France, Italy

On March 3rd, 2011 Enphase Energy Inc. (Petaluma, California, U.S.) announced the

appointment of two country managers and the opening of its first European offices in

France and Italy. The company appointed Oliver Jacques to managing director of

Enphase Energy France and Roberto Colombo as managing director of Enphase Energy

Italy.

"Enphase pioneered microinverters, and we have quickly become the market leader in

North America by designing and manufacturing superior products, building a strong

installer base and providing exceptional customer support," said Enphase Energy CEO

Paul Nahi. "With our system designed to surpass the European standards for solar

electrical equipment, now is the time to build a local sales and support team to

develop and commercialize this significant opportunity."



Several GW of opportunity in Europe over the next five years

The company states that it expects the microinverter market to grow dramatically in

Europe, and that it is one of few vendors positioned to receive the CE and VDE mark

for its products. Enphase cites a 2010 global microinverter market analysis by IHS

iSuppli Corporation (El Segundo, California, U.S.) which states that the continent

represents a several GW of opportunity over the next five years.

Newly appointed regional directors Jacques and Colombo will be responsible for

implementing the company's regional strategies, as well as developing local

distribution channels.

Enphase states that Oliver Jacques has two decades of experience in high technology

companies, including working as country manager at Danfoss A/S (Nordborg, Denmark)

and managing director at Solar Total France. Roberto Colombo was formerly the sales

director for southern Europe at Korber Schleifring Italy.