Each year, ASES honors individuals making significant contributions to the field of solar and renewable energy, as well as to the ASES annual Awards Program, which recognizes renewable energy scientists, professionals, students, and volunteers for outstanding contributions at all stages of their careers. Nominators and awards committees are asked to consider specific criteria described on the web page for each Award. For example, some awards are intended for individuals, while other awards may honor a team. ASES supports the principle that awards should also recognize factors of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. ASES confers eight separate awards annually and regularly names new Fellows.
The 2025 Awards Program is Now Open for Nominations
Nominations must be placed by ASES members; non-members may submit letters of support. Please follow the links below to access additional guidelines and forms for each ASES Award. Note the deadlines, and provide enough time to secure all the materials, including letters of recommendation. Nominees are typically not advised of their nomination to keep the process confidential until the selection is made. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Click here for the Nomination Submission Form and further guidance.
2022 – 2024 Award Winners
This award recognizes an innovator who has revolutionized the application of solar and related technologies or methods, driving successful commercial breakthroughs and innovation.
2024 Winner: Fred Morse
2023 Winner: Dan Shugar
2022 Winner: Steven Johnston
This award celebrates an individual who has made game-changing contributions to the solar energy field through scientific and technical research and development.
2024 Winner: Abraham Ellis
2023 Winner: Sarah Kurtz
2022 Winner: Ranga Pitchumani
Honoring pioneers in architecture and design, this award spotlights those whose contributions to solar, low-energy, and sustainable building design have reshaped the future of energy-efficient communities.
2024 Winners: Mike Nicklas and Gary Bailey
2023 Winner: Steven Strong
2022 Winner: Orlo Stitt
This award shines a spotlight on a dedicated ASES volunteer whose leadership and long-standing commitment have made a lasting impact on the success of ASES programs and initiatives.
2024 Winner: John Essig
2023 Winner: John Dunlop
2022 Winner: Drew Gillett
This award celebrates a rising star in solar energy research—a graduate student and ASES member whose work is paving the way for innovation and progress in the solar field.
2024 Winner: Remi Akinwonmi
2023 Winner: Simeng (Sampson) Hao
2022 Winner: Aaron Wheeler
This award honors an extraordinary woman in solar who has not only excelled in technical contributions but has also been a trailblazer for the advancement of women in the industry.
2024 Winner: Annika Colston
2023 Winner: Carol Weis
2022 Winner: JoAnn Armenta
Leadership in Solar Policy and Market Transformation Award
This award recognizes visionary leaders in social sciences, policy and market transformation, whose contributions have accelerated the widespread adoption and impact of renewable energy.
2024 Winner: David Gahl
2023 Winner: Winona LaDuke
2022 Winner: Amanda Bybee and the Clean Energy Cooperative Network
This award honors those who have propelled the solar industry forward by leading the charge in building code development, product innovation, or education for PV and solar thermal applications and related technologies.
2024 Winners: Mark Mrohs and Johnny Weiss
2023 Winner: Jeff Spies (left) and Rebekah Hren (right)
Fellows
Any member of ASES who has been a member for at least ten years and has served with distinction in the advancement of solar energy utilization by way of research, education, public service, and/or service to ASES is eligible for nomination to the grade of Fellow of ASES.
2024 Inductees:
Vikram Sami
Liz Merry
Robert Peña
Troy Peters
William Guiney
Jeff Lyng
2023 Inductees:
Mike Sloan
David Ginley
Alfredo Fernández-González
2022 Inductees:
Bruce Anderson
Barry L. Butler
Trudy Forsyth
Mario Monesario
Henry K. Vandermark
