The two principal technical leads are Dr. Jim Rand and Dr. Mason Reed. Both have extensive experience in the design, manufacture, testing, performance and reliability of PV modules. Because both Rand and Reed view PV as proven, reliable energy generation source, they’ve dedicated their careers to the critical task assisting solar industry in ways to improve and ultimately assure its long term growth.

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.

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Dr. Reed has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry. His professional experience has followed a path similar to silicon feedstock’s journey through the industry’s value chain. Starting with wafer production technology, cell processing, and module design all the way through to PV system design, energy yield analysis, reliability testing and failure analysis of faulty panels. More recent projects have centered on field testing and diagnostics of both newly commissioned and near end-of-life PV arrays, as well as determining the impact of project logistics, material handling methods, and extreme weather events on system performance outcomes. Dr. Reed also possesses expertise in printed circuit board design and manufacturing of power electronics for use in novel off-grid solar power applications. Mason serves as Vice President of Technology at Core Energy Works’ and has worked to develop low cost and rapid testing methods for PV systems.

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Chris Thompson has 16 years experience working in photovoltaics. His work includes overseeing Core Energy Works preventative maintenance and service program, field and warehouse inspections of modules and arrays for quality assurance inspections, and hail impact testing and evaluation of solar modules. Mr. Thompson has worked on a wide array of topics and applications, including device physics of thin-film photovoltaic devices and modules, reliability testing, laser processing of silicon heterojunction devices, novel doping methods for CdTe solar cells, and the effects of hail impact on solar modules. Mr. Thompson worked at the University of Delaware’s Institute of Energy Conversion for 12 years before joining Core Energy Works.

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CORE Energy Works uses the latest technology to assess damage, discover defects, monitor degradation and employ preventative maintenance practices that keep your PV assets in top working order.

Contact CORE Energy Works for field or laboratory performance testing of photovoltaic products.