Positive Energy

Pan Wen-Whe Leads Taiwan’s Largest Solar Cell Manufacturing Company On Weekdays.On Weekends, He Climbs Mountains.

- Ashton Kobler

As a PhD student at the University of North Carolina, Pan Wen-Whe asked his professor for a piece of wisdom he could take into the future. The professor gave him two words: “Be needed.” This advice has steered Pan through the 33 years of his career. “I’ve always put myself in a position where others need me,” he says. “When people depend on you, there is no need to worry about a change in the relationship. If you’re needed, you’re successful. This attitude applies to subordinates, customers, bosses, suppliers – everyone you come in contact with.”

Pan was nominated as CEO of United Renewable Energy (URE) in 2018 when three companies, Neo Solar Power, Gintech and Solartech, merged to form Taiwan’s largest photovoltaic cell producer. Pan believes that as a communicative manager, he has the skills to lead the company forward. “Good managers communicate well with their employees,” he says. “I take a hands-on approach to solving problems while keeping communication open among our team.”

URE’s unique position as an amalgamation of three leading solar companies gives it the strength to offer a complete solution to customers. “We are an international company with factories located in Taiwan, China and Thailand,” he explains. “We offer a variety of products and solutions to customers by reducing the manufacturing costs and avoiding trade barriers.”