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Top 10 Solar Energy experts to follow

by Ian Khan | Oct 10, 2023 | Futurist Blog

Dr. Zhengrong Shi – Often referred to as the “Sun King”, Dr. Shi is the founder of Suntech Power, one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers. His innovations in solar cell technology and commitment to making solar energy accessible have made him an industry legend.

Elon Musk – While primarily known for Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s solar venture, Tesla Energy (formerly SolarCity), is instrumental in pushing the boundaries of solar tech. Their solar roofs and battery storage solutions are notable contributions to the industry.

Dr. Martin Green – A professor at the University of New South Wales, Dr. Green is known for his pioneering research in photovoltaics. He’s credited with developing some of the world’s most efficient solar cells.

Lyndon Rive – Co-founder of SolarCity alongside his cousin Elon Musk, Rive played a crucial role in making solar energy mainstream in the U.S. residential market.

Jigar Shah – The founder of SunEdison, Shah introduced the “no money down solar” concept which revolutionized solar financing. He’s also an author and hosts the podcast “The Energy Gang”, discussing the latest trends in renewable energy.

Dr. Aimee Curtright – A researcher at RAND Corporation, Dr. Curtright’s work extensively focuses on the technological, environmental, and economic aspects of renewable energy, particularly solar and its potential impacts.

Danny Kennedy – Co-founder of Sungevity, one of the leading global solar service companies, Kennedy is a staunch advocate for solar energy solutions. He’s also the author of “Rooftop Revolution” which delves into how solar power can address global challenges.

Julia Hamm – As the President and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), Hamm has been instrumental in guiding utilities into the solar age, ensuring collaboration between utilities and the solar sector.

Dr. Alan Finkel – Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020, Dr. Finkel has been a prominent advocate for solar energy, emphasizing its role in the country’s energy future and driving various solar energy research initiatives.

Neha Palmer – As the head of energy strategy at Google, Palmer is responsible for spearheading the company’s transition to renewable energy. Under her leadership, Google has become the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable power, with significant investments in solar energy.

Top 10 Perovskite Solar Cells experts to follow

by Ian Khan | Oct 10, 2023 | Futurist Blog

Prof. Michael Grätzel: A professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Grätzel is renowned for pioneering work in dye-sensitized solar cells. His research has laid the groundwork for the development of perovskite solar cells, making him a foundational figure in the field.

Prof. Henry Snaith: Based at the University of Oxford, Snaith’s work has been instrumental in demonstrating the high efficiency of perovskite solar cells. He’s recognized for his pioneering contributions that led to a rapid increase in cell efficiencies in a short span of time.

Prof. Nam-Gyu Park: Working at Sungkyunkwan University, Park is credited with being one of the first researchers to recognize the potential of perovskites in photovoltaics. His seminal works have set the direction for the field.

Dr. Antonio Abate: Operating out of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Abate’s research delves deep into the stability and degradation mechanisms of perovskite solar cells, aiming to enhance their longevity for commercial applications.

Prof. Sang-Il Seok: At Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Seok’s contributions include developing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable with perovskite materials.

Prof. Yang Yang: Based at UCLA, Yang’s work focuses on the interface engineering of perovskite solar cells, aiming to optimize their performance and stability.

Prof. Laura Herz: Working at the University of Oxford, Herz is known for her deep insights into the photophysics of perovskite materials, which are crucial for optimizing their solar cell properties.

Dr. Samuel Stranks: Based at the University of Cambridge, Stranks’ interdisciplinary research focuses on defects in perovskite materials and their implications on the efficiency and stability of solar cells.

Prof. Mercouri G. Kanatzidis: At Northwestern University, Kanatzidis has been exploring the chemistry of perovskite materials, leading to innovations in the structure and composition of perovskite solar cells.

Prof. Jinsong Huang: Operating out of the University of North Carolina, Huang’s research on the fabrication and device physics of perovskite solar cells has contributed to the scalability and commercial potential of the technology.