Matthew Merfert

Matthew Merfert has a diverse and extensive work experience in the solar energy industry. Matthew started their career as a Solar Technician at Borrego Solar in 2004. Matthew then worked at SunPower Corporation, where they held roles such as Construction Manager and Project Manager, managing various solar power plant projects. In 2009, they joined First Solar as an EPC Project Manager, leading the engineering, procurement, and construction of utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant projects. Matthew later became the EPC Project Director/General Manager, founding the Middle East branch office in Dubai and winning a significant turnkey EPC project for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Matthew's expertise expanded to the Middle East region, where they served as the Technical Director and, eventually, as the Sr. Director of Business Development for EMEA at First Solar. Currently, they are also the Chair of the Solar Power Europe Sustainability Workstream at SolarPower Europe.

Matthew Merfert earned an Honors BA in Latin American Studies and Political Science from the University of Michigan between 1999 and 2003. Matthew also participated in an international exchange program at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in 2001 and 2002, studying Spanish and Political Science. Later, from 2009 to 2015, they obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power and Energy Systems from Arizona State University. Additionally, Matthew has obtained various certifications, including the NABCEP Solar Installer certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners in 2005, and several engineering and electrical contractor licenses.