#United States #Austin #Renewable Energy #ASES Awards #Solar Energy Society

Celebrating Excellence in Solar Energy: ASES 2026 Awards Announcement

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2026 Awards Program, signaling a significant recognition of remarkable contributions to the fields of solar and renewable energy. These awards highlight achievements in research, policy, community leadership, and innovative design. The honorees will be celebrated at the annual SOLAR 2026 conference, scheduled for October 19-21 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas.

The upcoming Awards Luncheon is set for Tuesday, October 20, at noon CT, followed by the Fellows Reception at 5:45 PM CT. This year’s award recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership vital for the advancement of renewable energy, a sentiment echoed by Carly Rixham, Executive Director of ASES. She emphasized how these individuals are propelling the solar and renewable energy sectors forward across various platforms including laboratory work, industry advancements, policy development, and community initiatives.

The 2026 ASES Awards recognize a diverse array of winners, each contributing uniquely to the solar energy landscape:

• - Innovative Research and Development Award in Honor of Charles Greeley Abbot: Teresa Barnes from the National Lab of the Rockies.
• - Applied Solar Technology Award in Honor of Hoyt Clarke Hottel: Rich Stromberg, Director of Equitable Solar Solutions.
• - Leadership in Solar Architecture and Design Award: M. Keith Sharp from the University of Louisville's Renewable Energy Applications Laboratory.
• - Volunteer Service Award in Honor of Rebecca Vories: Debbie Coleman, President and Founder of SunPlans.
• - Women in Solar Energy Award (WISE): Jill K. Cliburn, President of Cliburn and Associates.
• - Leadership in Solar Policy and Market Transformation Award: Patrice "Pete" Parsons, Director of the Texas Solar Energy Society.
• - John and Barbara Yellott Award for Graduate Solar Research: Roshan Kumar from the University of South Florida.
• - Code Development, Innovation, and Training Award in Honor of Claudia Hansen Wentworth: John Wiles, a Senior Research Engineer (Retired) at Southwest Technology Development Institute, New Mexico State University.

In addition to the award winners, this year also marks a new cohort of inductees into the distinguished rank of ASES Fellows. This honor denotes the highest level of membership and recognizes exceptional contributions to the society’s mission. Notably, there is a record number of inductees for 2026, comprising:

• - John Avenson
• - Gail Burrington
• - Gay Canough
• - Ron Celentano
• - Debbie Coleman
• - Nir Krakauer
• - Martin Ogle
• - Scott Sklar
• - Andrew Stone
• - Bill Young

Founded in 1954, ASES is a leading organization in promoting solar energy and has grown significantly alongside advancements in technology, public awareness, and infrastructure. The society's ongoing mission is to foster the widespread adoption of renewable energy across the nation. ASES envisions a future where 100% of energy needed is derived from renewable sources, driving towards a sustainable and peaceful energy economy.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar power continues to be the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the United States, showcasing the critical role that organizations like ASES and their awardees play in shaping a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

As the world gears up for the 2026 awards ceremony, the collective efforts of these exceptional leaders highlight the ongoing transformation within the solar industry. The conference provides an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and sharing insights that could forge the path towards a greener tomorrow. For more details on the awards and celebration, please visit ASES Awards.