Trina Solar Australia assistant director and highly respected pillar of the Australian solar industry, Govind Kant, has died after contracting the coronavirus in India.
Trina Solar Asia Pacific said on Monday evening that Kant, who was based in Sydney, had returned to India for personal reasons, where he had contracted the virus and died in a Delhi hospital on May 16. He was 47 years of age.
“Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that the team at Trina Solar feels for the passing of our exceptional colleague and friend,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Govind and his family, including his wife and two daughters.”
The news has been met with a steady stream of tributes from all corners of the Australian clean energy industry, describing Kant as a “champion” of solar, a consummate professional and a “wonderful human.”
“Govind Kant was the first mentor I ever had, after we met 15 years ago while I was finding my way in renewable energy,” wrote RACV Solar CEO Andy McCarthy on LinkedIn.
“No matter how many times I hassled him for advice, or how silly my question was, he was always happy to provide guidance and support.”
“Govind was the epitome of … professional, intelligent, warm, and just an absolute gentleman to do business with,” McCarthy said.
“He was truly committed to making a change in the world and always had time for people, he always demonstrated respect and was always supportive. He will be greatly missed,” wrote James Sturch, technical director at SolarEdge Technologies.
“Govind was a true champion of our industry, always had time for everyone, always humble and forever supportive for all around him. Much loved and respected,” said Mark Twidell, director of energy at Tesla Australia.
“This is a terrible loss!” Wrote Smart Energy Council president Steve Blume. “Govind Kant has been a stalwart of the solar industry.”
India has become one of the countries hardest hit by the global Covid-19 pandemic in recent months, with more than 24 million confirmed cases and 270,000 deaths.
