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Who are we?

Pico Sol was established in 1999 by a group of enthusiastic volunteers who have a warm heart at development co-operation. From their work they are daily involved in solar business (production, research, consultancy, project realisation). They provide their know-how and energy to charity projects for free.

Giel Linthorst Giel Linthorst works as senior consultant at Ecofys. As project leader he is involved in various energy saving campaigns, both for domestic and commercial purposes. In 2007 he built his first solar pump at the most remote site of this world. At Pico Sol, he is the chairman. His personal motive: Life is more beautiful with clean energy.




Ronald Franken Ronald Franken (right) had his experience with solar power at Utrecht University. In the period of 2002-2006 he did PhD research in thin film solar cells. After a post-doc position of a year at IMEC (Belgium) he is currently working at OM&T (Optical Media & Technology). Ronald is responsible for several research projects that aim to improve the performance of a solar production line. In 2003 he was a volunteer teacher in North Ghana. At Pico Sol, Ronald revealed himself as an all-round worker, inseparable assisted by Maike Ouwerkerk (left at the picture, she is an educationalist), who is also not affraid to contribute her impact. Ronald's personal motive: We will make solar energy so cheap that only the rich will burn fossil fuel.

Peter Scheijgrond Designer Peter Scheijgrond works at Ecofys, where he is responsible for various research and innovation projects in the field of tidal power. In his scarce leisure time he organises seminars at designer's association O2. At Pico Sol Peter leaded several projects successfully: The solar pumps in Twabidi (Ghana) and Sowek (Papua). Peter distinguishes himself with a practical attitude, great ability to improvise and vigorous way of taking action.


Aad GordijnAad Gordijn came in touch with thin film solar cells as physics student. In the period 2001-2005 he did his PhD at Utrecht University. He investigated vacuum processes for the deposition of micro crystalline silicon. Since 2005 he is scientific fellow at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. At Pico Sol he is responsible for the semi-annual newsletter. Aad's personal motive: Clean energy from now on.



Henry de GooijerHenry de Gooijer did his experience with solar power at consultancy firm Ecofys. During 1996-2008 he advised various authorities and companies on the application of stand-alone solar power. As freelancer, he advises since last summer organisations on solar power in developing countries. At Pico Sol, he is responsible for the Cambodia programme. As treasurer, he is member of the board. His personal motive: Clean and affordable energy within reach of everyone.

Florian GeyerFlorian Geyer is daily involved in setting up solar businesses since 2005. Currently he works as project developer at Scheuten Solar Solar Systems BV, the largest Dutch player on solar energy. Florian is fascinated by the opportunities for improvement of living circumstances and the environment for people all over the world that are provided by solar power.




Angele ReindersDr. Angele Reinders works as assistant professor at Twente University of Technology. During field research to solar home systems in Indonesia, whe saw the light literally. Indeed, good designed and developed systems can improve life in the countryside! Currently, Angele is involved in product design and innobation of renewable energy systems. Her personal motto: Empowering people....of course with solar power!


Marcel van der MaalMarcel van der Maal studied Science, Technology and Society at Twente University. He worked as energy co-ordinator at the Free University Amsterdam and as consultant energy management at Ecofys. From 1998 till 2000 he worked in Tanzania for the NGO TaTEDO, where he was responsible for technical solar trainings for installers and various other workshops for stakeholders. Marcel is father of two children. His personal motive: To contribute to a sustainable world, the world of his kids.


Brenda RietveldSince 2004 Brenda Rietveld lived and worked in Uganda and Tanzania, where she was involved in bible translation projects for Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 2009 she moved to the Netherlands with her family. Brenda supports Pico Sol with secretarial work. Brenda: "Last years I experienced enough sunshine to be convinced that the Pico Sol mission could be effective in the developing world. I like the idea to support people living in these areas to make use of these resources to enable development!"

Ewout van der Beek In daily life Ewout van der Beek is consultant at Ecofys since 2008. He advises on sustainable use of energy at companies and authorities. During his education Energy Technology & Policy at University Eindhoven, the colleges on 'Technology for Development' took his interest on technology as a means to solve problems in developing countries. Ewout enjoys the Pico Sol vision to support developing projects that have a local basis. Currently he supports the foundation in The Netherlands. In the near future he will support Pico Sol projects on site.