EcoTuesday: James F Cook of First Solar

The state of California has some of the worlds most aggressive renewable energy goals.

James will help us understand renewable sources are changing in their growth rates and how wind, geothermal, hydro, solar rooftops, and utility scale solar are all part of the mix that will help us meet our energy goals.

He will share his work with very large solar generation plants, and also discuss his hope that we can a achieve FFFF Fossil Fuel Free (electricity) by Fifty, eliminating carbon producing sources of electricity in California by 2050!

James F. Cook is a Director of Business Development at First Solar. James is lead developer responsible for several utility scale projects in California, Nevada and Arizona. James leads teams of permitting, transmission and land professionals and numerous outside consultants while keeping projects on time and in budget. He ensures that projects fit the strategic needs of the world's largest thin-film solar manufacturer. Previously, he led the development of a 170 acre campus with 33 buildings designed by the world renowned architecture firm of Richard Meier and Partners, where he managed permitting, design, development and construction of an award winning family care facility for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. James and his wife Dr. Wendy Cook formed the initial management team for the not-for-profit organization founded by actor Paul Newman. Currently, he lives in Palo Alto with his wife and son where their home is powered by a 2.8 kW solar PV system. He also serves as an Utility Commissioner for the City of Palo Alto municipal utility.