Verde Technologies names Jean-Noël Poirier CEO to push into space solar

Verde Technologies appointed former Honeywell, First Solar and Global Solar Energy executive Jean-Noël Poirier as CEO, effective July 8, as the Burlington, Vermont company targets space markets for its lightweight perovskite solar tech. The leadership change follows a priced investment round and lets co-founder Chad Miller shift fully into the chief technology role.

Why it matters: - Verde Technologies is trying to turn its lightweight perovskite solar technology into a space power product, a move that could speed commercialization in a high-value market. - The CEO change gives Verde an operator with deep solar and clean-energy experience as the company scales. - A stronger presence in space could also help Verde manufacture and deploy perovskite solar at larger scale for future terrestrial markets.

What happened: - Verde Technologies named Jean-Noël Poirier chief executive officer, effective July 8. - Poirier will lead Verde’s expansion into new markets, with space at the center of the company’s near-term focus. - The announcement follows a priced investment round closed earlier in 2026 with support from existing and new investors. - Chad Miller, Verde co-founder and current CEO, will move full-time into the chief technology officer role.

The details: - Poirier previously held leadership roles at Honeywell, First Solar and Global Solar Energy. - At First Solar, Poirier worked on commercialization of CdTe solar technology. - At Global Solar Energy, he led global growth for flexible CIGS modules before the company’s acquisition by Hanergy. - Poirier also served as managing director of Clean Energy Venture Group and as a venture partner with Meliorate Partners. - Poirier said Verde’s perovskite technology is already an enabling solution in the space market and could transform solar energy more broadly. - Verde describes its thin-film perovskite panels as ultra-lightweight and flexible, with industry-leading power-to-weight ratios. - Verde says its material can be manufactured roll-to-roll at a fraction of the capital cost of silicon. - Verde says the technology could cut the cost of solar energy by up to 50%. - Verde is the grand prize winner of the U.S. Perovskite Startup Prize. - Verde has backing from the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, Steve Bolze and Jeff Waters.

Between the lines: - The company is pairing a technical founder with an executive focused on commercialization, a common move for startups entering a scale-up phase. - Space is a logical first market for perovskite because lightweight solar materials can offer a clear advantage where mass matters most. - Success in space could give Verde a proof point for broader markets without waiting for the full terrestrial market to mature.

What's next: - Poirier is set to take over on July 8. - Miller is expected to focus on the technology roadmap and deployment in high-value applications. - Verde’s next challenge is turning its space positioning into commercial traction and production scale.