Dr. James Rand

Dr. Rand has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing, research, and development of solar energy products. His work has spanned the entire value chain, from raw materials to system level performance. Recent technical projects have focused on the testing and evaluation of solar modules for performance and long term reliability, leading to the formation of Core Energy Works which is active in this area. In addition to the testing work, Dr. Rand consults in all areas of photovoltaics (PV), and is presently working with both large and small firms on the next generation of PV materials and products. Dr. Rand is currently an adjunct Professor at both the University of Delaware and Villanova University, lecturing on the topics of solar cell materials, device processing, and system performance.

Employment History

President, Core Energy Works
2010-Present
Dr. Rand founded Core Energy Works LLC, an engineering services company, focusing in the areas of PV performance and reliability. Work includes field testing of solar modules, detailed laboratory analysis, and warranty service. Core Energy Works has developed specific expertise and intellectual property in testing modules in the field without the necessity of dismounting the panels from the array. Core Energy Works LLC handles the exclusive warranty service in the US for an international company, and contracts with others on a regular basis.

Consulting Engineer, GE Solar; Newark, Delaware
2007-2009
A “Consulting Engineer” is a controlled title within GE, similar to the title of Chief Scientist in other large technology firms. Dr. Rand managed activities consistent with senior technical leader, focusing on specific technical problems in all aspects of silicon-based solar power generation.

Technology Leader, GE Solar; Newark, Delaware
2004-2007
Dr. Rand led research, development, and engineering efforts within the solar division of GE Energy. He successfully oversaw the installation of a new wafer manufacturing line. The line included 5 new custom processes and $6.5MM of new capital equipment. Additionally he provided technical leadership to 20MW PV module manufacturing line and was Principal Investigator of a winning $44MM DOE proposal (Solar America Initiative) and a $12.3MM NIST/ATP program on Solar Grade Silicon (together with Dow Corning).

Vice President, Research and Development, AstroPower, Inc; Newark, Delaware
1985-2004
Major responsibilities as leader of Research and Development included technical leadership, fundraising, program management, and administrative responsibilities.

  • Technology: R&D on a wide range of technology, from basic materials to applied research in support of a manufacturing line. The scientific focus was on the detailed study of the impact of imperfect material on solid-state device performance. Detailed material characterization included collaborative research efforts with North Carolina State University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and many others. In addition to silicon solar cells, work with III-V materials included light scavengers for unattended ground sensors, mid-IR detectors, and thermal photovoltaic devices.
  • Administration: The group Dr. Rand led consisted of 24 scientists, engineers and technicians. Facilities included 20,000 ft2 containing a full suite of characterization equipment and the tool set needed for laboratory device fabrication. Photovoltaic system level testing was carried both indoors and outdoors.
  • Fundraising: The department was funded by cost-shared research contracts at the level of $3 to $4MM per year. Funding agencies include DOE, NASA, DOD, NSF, and NIST.

Characterization Engineer, IBM, Inc; Essex Junction, Vermont
1980 – 1984
Performed device characterization on a MOSFET VLSI manufacturing line, with strong emphasis on custom chips and process steps.

University Courses Taught

  • ECE78000 Renewable Energy Systems, Villanova University, 2012, 2014, 2016
  • ELEG620 Photovoltaic Materials and Devices, University of Delaware, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
  • ELEG340, Solid State Electronics, University of Delaware, 2016

Expert Witness Experience

  • Expert Witness for the Defense (LDK Solar) in a Securities Litigation Matter, 2010
  • Expert Witness for the Claimant in a Contract Dispute regarding a $1B contract for silicon and wafers; ICC Arbitration, London, 2011
  • Appointment as an Arbitrator for Silicon Contract Dispute; London Court of International Arbitration, 2012.
  • Trustee’s expert in the Liquidation Trust of a Photovoltaic Module Manufacturer, 2013.

Papers and Patents

  • Eleven US patents in the areas of silicon material and solar cell device design.
  • Seven US patent applications.
  • 72 Publications, including invited papers in the areas of:
    – Solar Grade Silicon
    – BIPV
    – Distributed Energy Generation.
  • Three “R&D 100” Awards

View entire list of Papers and Patents.

Activities and Awards

Member of the Delaware Science and Technology Council under the leadership of Delaware’s Lt. Governor (2007-2009).
Industry Board Chairman of a NSF Solar Silicon Consortium at its founding (2006).
Invited to lead a session at The 5th International Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells on the topic of Kerfless Silicon Wafers for PV, sponsored by MIT, Cambridge MA (2011).
Member of the Program Committee for the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference for the 23rd(1993), 25th(1996), 26th(1997), 27th(1999), 28th(2000), and 31st(2008) conference.
Member of the Program Committee for the “Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Materials and Process”(1998-2010).

Education

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering 1985 – 1990
University of Delaware; Newark, Delaware
Thesis: Light Trapping in Thin Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

M.S., Electrical Engineering 1983 – 1985
University of Delaware; Newark, Delaware
Thesis: MIS Solar Cell Structures for Measurement of Minority Carrier Diffusion Length

B.A., Physics with High Distinction 1976 – 1980
University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia