Barron Partners and Soltas CEO speaks at MIT Sloan Conference

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 07, 2011 – Consistency in price and reliability as well as regulations and policies were some of the areas highlighted as defining the framework of the solar energy market. “While policies and regulations are outside our reach, we can, as investors, individuals, and communities work to create a path that will allow for the sustainable growth of the industry.  [At Soltas], Barron’s newest venture, a distributed energy generation company for solar power plants, that is exactly what we are trying to do, create a path for sustainable growth.” CEO Andrew Barron Worden said in a Clean Energy panel session at the MIT Sloan Asia Business Conference, held here at the MIT Media Lab on Nov. 19.

 

Participating on the panel with Mr. Worden were Atsuhiko Hirano, senior vice president with Solar Frontier, and Troels Beltoft, a director with Vestas Wind Systems. The panel was moderated by MIT Energy Initiative Associate Director Robert Stoner.  Mr. Worden’s comments focused largely on the market advantages of a vertically integrated business model.

 

Barron Partners LP, Soltas’ parent, has been an active investor in the private equity space since 2002.  Since its inception, Barron has focused on finding solid companies with low multiples.  Over the years, Barron has identified a handful of cleantech companies in the U.S. and China that make components for larger manufacturing conglomerates.  “It is these investments and relationships that comprise the foundation of our vertical integration.  Our ownership in a solar panel manufacturer and our relationships with other upstream suppliers has allowed us to provide cost-effective solutions that not only improve the quality of the products, but also create jobs and support the growth and competitiveness of the overall market,” said Mr. Worden.

 

When the topic of what is driving the solar industry in the U.S. arose, Mr. Worden said “Entrepreneurs in the U.S. are investing in solar power because low-cost capital equipment, available incentives and the high cost of power from utilities make the downstream solar industry a good financial investment in addition to being a good environmental investment.”

 

The MIT Sloan Asia Business Conference is held annually and is produced by the MIT Sloan School of Management.



Barron Partners LP is an international private investment fund with a primary focus on profitable cleantech companies. Barron has invested over $450 million of its capital since its formation in 2002. For more information about Barron Partners, visit www.barronpartners.com

 

Soltas Energy Corporation  is a solar-energy solutions provider that delivers clean, renewable energy. For more information about Soltas Energy, visit www.soltasenergy.com.

 

 

Contact:

 
Alana Chain

Barron Partners LP

PR Director

achain@barronpartners.com

212.359.0208