The Australian Solar Council unveiled their Hall of Fame, honouring many of Australia’s leading solar practitioners. The inaugural inductees include some of Australia’s greatest solar scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs – representing a group who have made a significant contribution to tackling global Climate Change.
John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council, said of the honours list:
“Australia has long led the world in solar research and development, and the Solar Hall of Fame honours the brightest lights in our solar system”
The list of names reads like a who’s who of the Australian solar industry and includes the likes of Emeritus Professor John Ballinger, Professor Bill Charters, Dr Stephen Kaneff, Wal Read and Steve Szokolay, the early pioneers of solar research in Australia. The founder of solar panel manufacturer SunTech, Dr Shi Zhengrong, was recognised. Often referred to as the Sun King, Zhengrong is a dual Australian/Chinese citizen.
The honours list recognised not just those who have help the technological development of the industry, but also the political leaders of the solar field. Dr Murial Watt, Head of Energy Policy & Photovoltaics at IT Power Australia a leading international energy consultancy, was recognised for the work she has done over the past 30 years in the areas of renewable energy research, development, technologies, deployment and policies.
“Australia has punched well above its weight in solar research, development and deployment”, said Mr Grimes. “Our researchers are equal to any in the world. Our innovators have created multi-billion dollar companies and laid the foundations for big solar globally, and last year Australia installed more residential solar panel systems than any other country in the world. Australian solar has a proud history and a very bright future”.
The Australian Solar Council (previously the Australian Solar Energy Society) is one of the world’s oldest solar organisations.
© 2013 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
