AWARDS AND FELLOWS

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 others 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.  

• Fellows
• Innovative Research and Development Award in honor of Charles Greeley Abbot
• Leadership in Solar Architecture and Design Award
• Volunteer Service Award in honor of Rebecca Vories
• John and Barbara Yellott Award for Graduate Solar Research
• Women in Solar Energy Award (WISE)
• Applied Solar Technology Award in honor of Hoyt Clarke Hottel
• Leadership in Solar Policy and Market Transformation Award
• Code Development, Innovation, and Training Award in honor of Claudia Hansen Wentworth

Overview of the Nomination Process:

• Carefully review the specific criteria for the applicable Award category.
• Nominations must be placed by ASES members; non-members may submit letters of support.
• Nominees are typically not advised of their nomination to keep the process confidential until the selection is made. Self-nominations are not permitted.
• For Awards Nominations: For each nomination, submit the form below. Also, identify colleagues to prepare letters of support. Submit the letters and the nominee’s resume or LinkedIn profile to the Awards Committee Chair, Jill Cliburn, at awards@ases.org.  These Tips for Letters of Recommendation provide suggested content for letters. The nominator is responsible for a complete submission, including the submission form, resume or bio, and letters of support. 
• For Fellow Nominations: Fellows must have been ASES members for at least 10 years and have served ASES and its mission honorably. New Fellows must be nominated by three members of ASES in good standing, at least one of whom is a Fellow. Please send letters to the ASES 2025 Fellows Committee at fellows@ases.org by April 22, 2026. Contact the Fellows Committee for further details.

2022 – 2024 Award Winners

Applied Solar Technology Award in honor of Hoyt Clarke Hottel

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

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Innovative Research and Development Award in honor of Charles Greeley Abbot

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

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Leadership in Solar Architecture and Design Award

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

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Volunteer Service Award in honor of Rebecca Vories

 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

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John and Barbara Yellott Award for Graduate Solar Research

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

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Women in Solar Energy Award (WISE)

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

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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

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Code Development, Innovation, and Training Award in honor of Claudia Hansen Wentworth

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)

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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