We would like to warmly congratulate both Dr. Winfried Hoffmann and Dr. Tapio Alvesalo for receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Solar Power Summit 2025 yesterday.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, delivered an inspiring speech at the event honoring both gentlemen. Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Alvesalo have been invaluable consultants to Solnet Group since the early days of the company and have also served as Board Members. They continue to contribute as Advisory Members, offering invaluable advice on solar energy to the founders and management team. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and could not be happier for you both on receiving this well-deserved recognition.
Walburga Hemetsberger’s Speech
“Now I want to turn to two of the true founders who have spearheaded the European solar sector. They have been there since the early days, they have seen the ups and downs – they have stayed on the sunny side.
Dr. Winfred Hoffmann has been furthering solar since the 70s. His work in NUKEM, a thin-film research group began in 1979 and grew through the years to become RWE Solar in the late 90s. RWE Solar was in the top five global solar production companies of the time. Throughout the 2000s, he led work at Schott Glass and Applied Materials. He’s also served the boards of BSW Solar and SMA Solar. And of course, we were privileged to have his leadership on the SolarPower Europe Board for 17 years, and for half that time, he was our President.
Dr. Tapio Alvesalo was already working on flexibility in the 80s, researching energy storage and electric vehicles as Head of Neste Battery Division. His career has seen critical leadership roles developing and marketing advanced solar energy systems, including as Chair of the SolarPower Europe Board in the 90s. He has served as Vice-President, Corporate Technology, of Fortum, and today acts as a Partner and Board Member of Solnet Group.
Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Alvesalo, your efforts really speak for themselves. We are honoured to add our SOLARS award to your list of accolades.
We thank you for all that you have done for solar – and continue to do – please come on stage and receive your Lifetime Achievement Award.”
