Dr. Winfried Hoffmann studied Physics and did his Ph.D. in Biophysics. He joined the just-formed photovoltaic R&D group for thin-film solar cells of NUKEM in 1979 and took over its leadership in 1985. His focus was Applied Research towards industrialization in the area of CdS/Cu2S – Thin-Film solar cells and modules, amorphous Silicon as well as Dye Solar Cells.

Winfried Hoffmann is working in the PV industry since 1979. He was CEO of the company ASE (Applied Solar Energy GmbH, a JV between RWE and DASA) in 1994, RWE Solar GmbH, in the late 90s, one of the five largest production companies for solar modules worldwide. In 2002, the company transferred to RWE SCHOTT Solar, in 2005 to SCHOTT Solar. From 2007 to 2011, he was the managing director of Applied Materials GmbH & Co KG that manufactures solar business equipment. From 2012 until 2016, he was a member of the supervisory board of SMA Solar Technology AG and Solar-Fabrik AG. In 2017, he wrote a book chapter in Springer titled "Photovoltaics as a Major Contributor to the Future Global Energy Needs and a 100% Renewably Powered World".