ASU creates Solar Power Laboratory to boost renewable energy industry, improve environment

"For four decades, ASU has been a leader in research related to virtually all aspects of solar energy", Fink said, including creation of new materials and devices for generating electricity from sunlight, improved methods of photovoltaics testing, design of advanced power systems, and laying the groundwork for sound energy policies

"To build on these accomplishments and, more importantly, increase the chances for Arizona to attract more international solar companies, we decided ASU needed to bring in new faculty members who have outstanding reputations in the global solar industry," Fink said.

Maracas brings extensive experience in working with private industry, and the accomplishments of Honsberg and Bowden "are well-known to the solar industry on both sides of the Pacific," he said.

"In a technical community replete with creative engineers and scientists, Christiana Honsberg stands out as a talent of unique vision," said Craig Cornelius, a former director of the U.S Department of Energy solar energy program and leader of its Solar America Initiative.

For years, the energy department "has turned to Honsberg to lead its most ambitious investigations of high-efficiency photovoltaics," Cornelius said. "She will be a great addition to ASU's growing franchise in solar research."

Zhengrong Shi, who worked with Honsberg and Bowden at the University of New South Wales, is the founder and CEO of Suntech, the largest solar energy company in China and one of three largest in the world.

Shi ranks Honsberg and Bowden "clearly among world leaders in their respective fields in photovoltaics. Their strong links to [the University of New South Wales] and Suntech will provide great opportunities for research and development collaboration with ASU."

SOURCES:
Jonathan Fink,
Director
Global Institute of Sustainability
(480) 965-4797

Stephen Goodnick,
Associate Vice President
Research and Economic Affairs
(480) 965-1225

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Joe Kullman,
Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering
(480) 965-8122 direct line
(480) 773-1364 mobile
www.fulton.asu.edu/fulton/

Karen Leland,
Global Institute of Sustainability
(480)965-0013
http://gios.asu.edu