SolarUnited, the global photovoltaic industry and technology association, has elected Martin Fischer of Von Ardenne GmbH, Nabih Cherradi of Desert Technologies and Philippe Malbranche of the National Solar Energy Institute of France as members of its board of directors. “We are pleased to welcome Martin, Nabih and Philippe to SolarUnited’s board,” said Eric Ast, chairman of SolarUnited. “They all bring unique knowledge, wisdom and perspectives that further will enhance the strength of our existing board of directors”. Fischer will also serve as the association’s new treasurer after Elke Beune and Jonas Redmann stepped down after completing two consecutive three-year terms in that position. Fischer is also responsible for sales and business development at Von Ardenne, a family-owned hidden developer of vacuum equipment for manufacturing devices that require thin-film technology, especially for photovoltaics and architectural glass. Cherradi is Desert Technologies’ chief technology officer. He has spent more than 28 years building a long track record of equipment and production lines, as well as business development, in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. Malbranche has been working for more than three decades on renewable energies, mainly within solar technologies. He has worked in rural electrification programs, renewable energy policy for public authorities, photovoltaic module manufacturing and research. He is currently the director of France’s National Solar Energy Institute. Formally known as the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA), SolarUnited is a photovoltaic and technology industry association.