TEDxWaterloo - Shawn Qu - Future of Solar Energy April 6, 2011

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Shawn Qu follows the light -- actually he follows sunlight and turns it into electricity that powers homes and businesses around the world. As the chairman, president and CEO of Canadian Solar, Shawn is a leader in the fast growing solar energy market and putting Canada on the map for Canadian Solar's innovative technology.

Shawn, armed with a PhD in material science from the University of Toronto, began his career as a postdoctoral research fellow at the university. He then joined the Ontario Hydro, working on next generation solar cells. In 1998 he moved to ATS in Cambridge, ON holding various strategic roles in the Photowatt (solar power) division. In 2001, he left ATS to launch Canadian Solar, which posted $600 million in revenue in 2009.

The company currently has seven manufacturing facilities with 8,000 employees worldwide. In December 2010, Canadian Solar opened its first North American plant in Guelph, Ontario, employing up to 500 people.

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TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWaterloo, where x=independently organized TED event. At our TEDxWaterloo event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
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