Honorees to be celebrated at SOLAR 2026 in Austin, Texas, on October 20, 2026
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) announces the recipients of its 2026 Awards Program, recognizing outstanding contributions to solar and renewable energy research, policy, design, and community leadership. The honorees will be celebrated at SOLAR 2026, ASES’s 55th annual national conference, held October 19–21 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas. The Awards Luncheon will take place Tuesday, October 20 at 12:00 noon CT, followed by the Fellows Reception at 5:45 PM CT.
“Each year, this program shines a light on the people who are moving solar and renewable energy forward — in the lab, in industry, in policy, and in their communities,” said Carly Rixham, Executive Director of ASES. “This year’s honorees represent the full breadth of what it means to lead in this field.”
ASES is the oldest organization of solar professionals and proponents. It was founded in 1954, the same year that Bell Labs patented the first silicon solar cell. Since that time, the organization has grown in size and scope. Today, ASES is steadfastly focused on the goal of achieving 100% renewable energy and sustainable living in the U.S. ASES recognizes the challenge, but also the benefits of a more peaceful, affordable, and resilient energy economy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar is the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the U.S. today.
2026 ASES Award Winners
Innovative Research and Development Award in honor of Charles Greeley Abbot: Teresa Barnes, National Lab of the RockiesApplied Solar Technology Award in honor of Hoyt Clarke Hottel: Rich Stromberg, Director, Equitable Solar SolutionsLeadership in Solar Architecture and Design Award: M. Keith Sharp, (Emeritus) University of Louisville, Renewable Energy Applications LaboratoryVolunteer Service Award in honor of Rebecca Vories: Debbie Coleman, President and Founder, SunPlansWomen in Solar Energy Award (WISE): Jill K.Cliburn, President, Cliburn and AssociatesLeadership in Solar Policy and Market Transformation Award: Patrice “Pete” Parsons, Director, Texas Solar Energy SocietyJohn and Barbara Yellott Award for Graduate Solar Research: Roshan Kumar, University of South FloridaCode Development, Innovation, and Training Award in honor of Claudia Hansen Wentworth: John Wiles, Senior Research Engineer (Retired), Southwest Technology Development Institute, New Mexico State University.
2026 ASES Fellow Inductees
The distinction of Fellow in ASES denotes the highest grade of membership in the Society and recognition of exceptional professional achievement and service to the advancement of the ASES mission and vision. This year sees a record number of inductees.
John AvensonGail BurringtonGay CanoughRon CelentanoDebbie ColemanNir KrakauerMartin OgleScott SklarAndrew StoneBill Young
About the American Solar Energy Society
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and accelerating the widespread adoption of renewable energy. ASES’s flagship events include the annual SOLAR conference and the National Solar Tour. Learn more at www.ases.org or email info@ases.org with any questions.
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SOURCE American Solar Energy Society
