Martin Green, the “Father of Modern Solar,” Receives China’s International Science and Technology Cooperation Award

On July 8, 2026, Professor Martin Green, a Distinguished Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) and founder of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, received China’s International Science and Technology Cooperation Award for his outstanding contributions to high-efficiency silicon solar cells and more than 40 years of cooperation with China’s photovoltaic industry.

Known as the “Father of Modern Solar,” Professor Green has made groundbreaking contributions to photovoltaic technology. He pioneered key concepts such as efficiency limit analysis, passivated contact technology, and advanced solar cell architectures including PERC and TOPCon, which have played a major role in improving global solar cell performance.

Beyond scientific achievements, Professor Green has significantly influenced China’s PV development through technology exchange and talent cultivation. Over five decades, he trained around 130 postgraduate students, including more than 50 from China, many of whom later became important contributors to China’s solar industry.

His cooperation with Chinese universities began in 1984, when he introduced modern photovoltaic engineering education at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Over the past decades, his research collaboration and knowledge transfer have supported China’s rise as the world’s largest solar manufacturing and deployment market.

Today, China has become the global leader in photovoltaic development, with approximately 887 GW of cumulative solar capacity by the end of 2024.

Professor Green’s award highlights the importance of international cooperation in accelerating the global energy transition. As the renewable energy industry continues to evolve, scientific collaboration and technology innovation will remain essential for building a cleaner energy future.