"The goal is to further increase the competitiveness of [photovoltaic power] and strongly augment its share in the European energy portfolio," said new EPIA President Ingmar Wilhelm on accepting the role, setting out his vision for the future of the EU's photovoltaic (PV) sector.
"We see tremendous opportunities that the industry can create with new, innovative and cost-efficient technologies, many of which are developed here in Europe," he said.
Wilhelm, executive vice-president responsible for worldwide business development at Enel Green Power, was elected to his new position during EPIA's AGM in Rome last month.
Europe's renewable energy firms are currently scrambling to assume a leading role in the EU's drive to produce 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
The solar industry is seen as playing a key role in the switch to renewable power.
Policymakers' attention is shared between producers of photovoltaic power, which is used to produce electricity, and representatives of the solar thermal sector (see 'Background' and EurActiv LinksDossier on 'Solar power').
Solar-thermal power is used for heating and is represented in Brussels by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF).
EPIA - which wants to see PV power established as a mainstream source of electricity generation by the end of the decade - hailed Wilhelm's appointment as "the beginning of a new chapter" in its history.
"The competencies and market positions of Enel Green Power in developing, deploying and operating renewable power generation assets worldwide, and in particular our energy management capabilities for large, small and medium-sized units will provide a unique contribution to the future development of the [photovoltaic] industry," Wilhelm explained.
Wilhelm's election to the presidency is a sign of the "increasing attractiveness that the electricity industry sees in the current and future potential of PV technologies," EPIA said.
EPIA Secretary-General Adel El Gammal said he was "extremely proud" of Enel Green Power's accession to the presidency, which he said "clearly marks the evolution of the industry's focus from technology and production towards electricity production and supply".
"It creates a strong additional momentum to accelerate the implementation of the PV industry's [2020] roadmap and represents a key milestone in making PV a mainstream source of competitive green electricity," El Gammal said.
EPIA believe that PV power will be "largely competitive" in Europe and other parts of the world by 2020.
