American Solar Energy Society Names 2026 Award Recipients
In a showcase of progress toward a sustainable energy future, the American Solar Energy Society has unveiled its 2026 award recipients and new cohort of Fellows. These leaders, spanning fields from academic research to community advocacy, will be honored during the organization’s 55th national conference in Austin, Texas, this October.

The upcoming SOLAR 2026 conference, scheduled for October 19–21 at the Palmer Events Center, serves as the stage for these recognitions. Among the distinguished winners are Teresa Barnes of the National Lab of the Rockies, receiving the Charles Greeley Abbot Award for research, and Patrice "Pete" Parsons, who will be honored for leadership in policy and market transformation. Other notable recipients include Jill K. Cliburn for the Women in Solar Energy Award and John Wiles for his contributions to code development and training.
Beyond individual awards, the society is inducting a record number of new Fellows, including Scott Sklar, Debbie Coleman, and Ron Celentano. Executive Director Carly Rixham noted that the honorees reflect the diversity of the field, encompassing work in laboratories, industrial settings, and local policy development. Founded in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society continues to advocate for a transition to 100% renewable energy, aligning with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration that identifies solar as the country’s fastest-growing electricity source.
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