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Top national award presented to solar energy pioneer
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski of the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory in Golden, Colorado for four decades of visionary
leadership and breakthrough research in solar energy


Amid rising energy prices, the American Solar Energy Society presents
the Charles Greeley Abbot Award to recognize Dr. Kazmerski’s
tremendous contributions in the field of solar energy


BOULDER, CO – While American families struggle with record energy prices and urgently seek alternative sources of energy, the nation’s top award in the field of solar energy was presented to Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski for his pioneering work to reduce the cost of solar energy.

The Charles Greeley Abbot Award was presented by the Boulder-based nonprofit American Solar Energy Society during a banquet celebration at the 37th annual ASES National Solar Conference last week in San Diego.

Dr. Kazmerski (Kaz) is Director of the National Center for Photovoltaics at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, where he leads more than 100 research scientists and engineers working to reduce costs and improve efficiency in using solar energy. He is one of the world’s top authorities on solar electricity and has published more than 300 journal papers on solar cells, thin films, nanotechnology, and other emerging technologies. Kaz has received four R&D 100 Awards, including one for developing the first solar cell to break the 40% conversion efficiency barrier – the solar equivalent of the four-minute mile.

“The solar energy industry would not be where it is today without Kaz’s pioneering research and inspiring leadership,” said Brad Collins, Executive Director of the American Solar Energy Society. “It’s an honor to present him with this distinguished award.”

The annual Abbot Award is given to an individual who makes a significant contribution in the field of solar energy or to the American Solar Energy Society. The award is named after Dr. Charles Greeley Abbot, a prominent researcher in solar energy and former head of the Smithsonian Institute.

Several other national awards were presented at the ASES National Solar Conference. Recipients include:

  • Dr. Geoffrey Lester Harding who received the Hoyt Clark Hottel Award for his work in the area of solar thermal, bringing affordable hot water to Chinese citizens
  • Alison G. Kwok received the ASES Women in Solar Energy Award for her work in educating hundreds of architectural professors and students on sustainable building design
  • Frank W. Burkholder received the John and Barbara Yellott Award for his graduate school work on concentrating solar power and his insightful research
  • David Wright received the Passive Solar Pioneer Award for decades of leadership and commitment to sustainable building and living
  • Glen Friedman received winner of the Rebecca Vories Award for extensive contributions as a volunteer and leader working towards a sustainable energy future
  • Richard King received the Government Leadership Award for his extraordinary efforts in managing the Solar Decathlon for the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy education for tens of thousands of Americans

Five additional individuals earned the distinction of being named Fellows of the American Solar Energy Society for their exceptional service over many years: Jay Burch, Randy Gee, Walter Grondzik, Bion Howard, and John Wiles.

Awards were presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, known as SOLAR 2008, which attracted close to 5,000 attendees who gained new insight into where the industry is headed. The conference also highlighted the 8.5 million green-collar jobs that currently exist -- and the millions more being created -- to support the nearly $1 trillion renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in the U.S.


About the American Solar Energy Society

Founded in 1954, American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S.  ASES organizes and presents SOLAR 2008, leads the ASES National Solar Tour, and publishes SOLAR TODAY magazine.  Learn more at: www.ases.org

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