Krehnke to Lead United States Division of Solar Technology Giant SMA Technologie AG

GRASS VALLEY, Calif., May 21, 2008—Jurgen Krehnke has been tapped as president and general manager of SMA America, Inc., the United States division of global solar technology giant SMA Technologie AG. Krehnke's duties include managing all sales, marketing and manufacturing efforts for SMA America, supporting its parent company's double-digit growth and industry-leading market position.

Originally from Hamburg, Germany, Krehnke most recently was chief marketing officer for Silicon Valley-based IntellaSys, which specializes in developing distributed digital media semiconductor solutions. Before that, he worked for NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips Semiconductors), where he was responsible for all regional marketing and business development for consumer and computing products in the Americas. In all, Krehnke spent more than 15 years with Philips Semiconductors, working his way up from integrated circuit designer to general manager of several business units within the company. Krehnke also led a WLAN startup acquired by Philips Semiconductors.

Krehnke earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany.

"We are extremely excited to have Jurgen on board," said Pierre-Pascal Urbon, chief marketing and sales officer for SMA Technologie AG. "Jurgen has extensive experience in the technology field, which will be a great asset as he leads SMA toward continued success."

Urbon previously served as president of SMA America until Krehnke was instated April 15. Urbon will continue to serve as a managing board member of SMA Technologie AG, focusing on his role as chief marketing and sales officer. He is responsible for the sales and marketing activities of all eight SMA Technologie AG subsidiaries worldwide.

About SMA America, Inc.
SMA America, Inc. is a proud part of the worldwide SMA family of companies, with divisions in nine countries on four continents, boasting over 1,750 employees, and continuous double-digit growth. SMA America supports installers and small businesses in the solar industry through marketing and training assistance. Since 2000, SMA America has shown unfaltering commitment to the continued development and implementation of leading-edge products, including some of the most efficient solar inverters available nationwide. For more information, call (530) 273-4895 or visit www.sma-america.com.