Our vision: A world equitably and sustainably transformed to 100% renewable energy.
Check out our 2024 Impact Report. View the ASES Capabilities Statement.
Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy. We share information, events and resources to cultivate community and power progress in the U.S. and beyond. As the U.S. section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), we work with individuals and groups around the world to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy and sustainable living society.
Our mission: ASES accelerates equitable solar adoption and universal sustainable living by educating and building community.
**Please note: American Solar Energy Society is not the same as the for-profit business “American Solar”. We do not make outgoing solicitation calls or sell solar panels. Learn how to stop robo calls now.
The Power of Community
ASES is unique in its integrated perspectives of science, industry, policy, and citizens. Together, these valuable viewpoints represent the sum of possibility that has delivered solar and renewable energy to the respected space it now occupies in the energy landscape. We remain committed to this community for the promise it holds for the future.
We believe knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. Through trusted, well-researched content and comprehensive, thoughtful perspectives, we continue to nurture a transition to a more sustainable world. Through signature publications such as Solar Today magazine and annual events like the National Solar Tour and National Solar Conference, we engage individuals, businesses, and partners to advance the possibilities of sustainability and renewable energy in the U.S. ASES fosters an informed, inclusive society by presenting technical data and academic research in highly relatable, engaging formats to the greater community. Join the discussion in the ASES Online Community!
ASES is based in Boulder, Colorado and is the American section of the International Solar Energy Society.
Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI)
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) recognizes the harmful effects of racism, sexism, ageism, and classism including, but not limited to implicit and unconscious bias, on individuals and society. ASES stands steadfastly with individuals and communities around the world who have been victims of discrimination and injustice. This is especially significant given our stated goal to achieve equitable access and transformation to a global society powered by renewable energy.
Acknowledging the role that racism and other forms of discrimination and exclusion have played in society, we believe that diversity and inclusion must be intentionally addressed before justice and equity can ever be achieved. We must also continue to further our learning and understanding of the root causes of all forms of discrimination and its harmful effects to mitigate inequity.
We believe it is critical to turn this commitment into action. We have started with investigating and resolving potential inequities within our own organization and in the clean energy sector. We believe that promoting and increasing opportunity to clean energy access is a key part of the solution towards transformation. ASES is committed to promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all areas of our leadership, staff, membership, and activities and in renewable energy and sustainability. A key part of our commitment is creating opportunities through ASES activities for communities of underrepresented groups in intentional ways. ASES maintains a JEDI task force open to all members to ensure that ASES activities follow the commitment set forth for a more equitable society and clean energy for everyone.
To implement our stated mission of accelerating equitable solar adoption, ASES strives to incorporate the psychological and societal benefits of JEDI concepts. ASES also works to incorporate the most effective ways to foster these outcomes to advance a more just and equitable world.
Membership Has Its Rewards
ASES is a membership-based organization, which makes our activity and impact in the world possible. This supports the growth of the organization and the community we support.
Our members receive complimentary copies of the award-winning, quarterly Solar Today magazine, access to the Clean Energy Credit Union and others, access to the ASES Online Community, and discounted access to events such as the annual National Solar Conference. Various levels of membership also include access to experts through ASES Technical Divisions, recognition in Solar Today magazine, and official use of the ASES logo for websites or brochures.
We connect the community of renewable energy and sustainable living companies to ASES readers, members and attendees through:
- ASES Membership
- Solar Today magazine
- Solar@Work e-newsletter
- Webinar Series
- National Solar Conference
- National Solar Tour
- Zero Emissions Network (ZEN)
- ASES Online Community
- Emerging Professionals opportunities
- Solar Citizen – Tiny Watts project
- Credit union partnerships across the country
- Expertise, white papers, professional recognition, and resources
- Advertising, sponsorships, partnerships, and networking
We connect the solar and renewable energy communities through:
- Regional chapters in 40+ states and the District of Columbia
- Multiple student chapters at colleges across the country
- 7 technical divisions with student and professional members
Financials
ASES runs a very tight financial ship. We operate six national-level programs with only four staff members and a 20% overhead rate. By comparison, a typical university would have a 50% overhead rate. That means every dollar donated goes 80% directly into the programs that impact our world and 20% to keep the lights on.
Check out our annual 990 federal non-profit tax filing to see the details.
