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Alexander Au

Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at NEXTracker Inc.

Alexander Au is a prominent figure in the solar energy industry, serving as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Co-founder of NEXTracker Inc., a leading company in solar tracking technology.13

Professional Background

Alexander Au has over 13 years of experience in photovoltaic (PV) product development, ranging from residential to utility-scale applications.2 He co-founded NEXTracker in 2013, where he currently leads the company's technology and engineering efforts, driving the creation of their solar and storage product suite.12

Career Progression

Before co-founding NEXTracker, Au held several positions in the solar industry:

  • Director of Tracker Product Engineering at Solaria Corporation (2012-2013)
  • Manager of Product Engineering at SPG Solar (2011-2012)
  • Director of Advanced Technology Research and Development at Akeena Solar (2002-2011)
  • Junior Engineer at Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (1999)1

Education

Au received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, graduating in 2000.1

Achievements and Innovations

As CTO of NEXTracker, Au has been instrumental in developing innovative solar tracking solutions. Under his leadership, the company has introduced several "industry-first" innovations, including self-powering and self-grounding capabilities for solar trackers.3 Au's work has contributed to NEXTracker's success, with the company shipping over 70 gigawatts of smart solar trackers to more than 30 countries.3

Approach to Innovation

Au is known for his approach to innovation, which involves circulating ideas within the team, considering factors such as novelty, difficulty, cost, and feasibility. He emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and quick innovation cycles in product development.2

Alexander Au's expertise and leadership in solar technology have played a significant role in advancing the solar energy industry and contributing to the development of more efficient and cost-effective solar power solutions.

Highlights

Apr 25 · nextracker.com
At the ESACon 2018 News Desk: CTO Alex Au - Nextracker
At the ESACon 2018 News Desk: CTO Alex Au - Nextracker
Mar 24 · youtube.com
NEXTracker Executive Profile: Alex Au, CTO - YouTube
NEXTracker Executive Profile: Alex Au, CTO - YouTube

Related Questions

What are some of Alexander Au's most notable achievements at NEXTracker Inc?
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What innovative projects is Alexander Au currently working on at NEXTracker Inc?
How did Alexander Au's education at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo shape his career?
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Alexander Au
Alexander Au, photo 1
Alexander Au, photo 2
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Location

Oakland, California