Solar Energy Field, Solar Energy Category

Debra Poneman, Emcee

Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, known in solar energy circles simply as "Kaz," is the Director of the National Center for Photo Voltaics (NCPV) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado and was the first staff member in photovoltaics at NREL's predecessor, the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI).

The US Dept of Energy created the Center for Photo Voltaics in 1996 to provide a focal point for technology development and information about photovoltaics.

Kazmerski has also been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest honors accorded an engineer, bestowed on those in the profession who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, and to pioneers of new and developing fields of technology.

Kazmerski has published more than 290 journal papers in the areas of solar cells, thin films, semiconductor materials and devices, surface and interface analysis, scanning probe microscopy, nanoscale technology, high-temperature superconductivity and semiconductor defects.

An author and editor of four books, Kazmerski is editor-in-chief of the Elsevier Journal, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. He has three R&D 100 Awards, is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and a Fellow of the American Vacuum Society.

In praise of Kazmerski, David Garman, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy said, "Kaz is known around the world for his leadership in solar energy research. NREL, DOE and the nation are fortunate to have such a talented and tireless researcher who has devoted his life to this important work."

NREL Director Dr. Dan Arvizu echoed the praise. "Kaz isn't just a leading light for the discipline of engineering; he's become a veritable institution in the field of solar energy."

Kazmerski received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1970 and was on the faculty of the University of Maine, has held adjunct professorships at the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines and the University of Denver.