Today's Read Team 
Dr. Martin Green is a globally recognized innovator whose groundbreaking work has significantly advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, making solar energy a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition. His scientific achievements and advocacy efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping the renewable energy landscape of today.
Early Career and Academic Excellence
Dr. Green, an Australian researcher, began his career in the 1970s with a vision to unlock the potential of solar energy. After completing his PhD in electrical engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), he embarked on research that would revolutionize solar cell efficiency. His focus on improving silicon solar cell performance came at a time when solar technology was largely experimental and prohibitively expensive.
Pioneering Advances in Solar Cell Efficiency
One of Dr. Green’s most notable contributions is the development of the “Passivated Emitter Rear Cell” (PERC) technology, which has become a standard in high-efficiency solar panels worldwide. PERC cells improve the ability of solar panels to capture and convert sunlight into electricity by reducing energy loss and enhancing light absorption.
Under his leadership, the UNSW Solar Photovoltaics Group has repeatedly set world records for solar cell efficiency, surpassing 25% efficiency—a benchmark that once seemed unattainable. These innovations have directly contributed to reducing the cost of solar electricity, making solar power competitive with fossil fuels in many markets.
Impact on the Solar Industry and Global Energy Transition
Dr. Green’s work has helped drive the dramatic increase in solar energy adoption globally. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar PV capacity grew from just a few gigawatts in the early 2000s to over 1,000 gigawatts by 2024, accounting for roughly 12% of global electricity generation.
The cost declines driven by technologies like those pioneered by Dr. Green have spurred large-scale solar projects worldwide, from solar farms in China and India to rooftop installations in Europe and North America. His research underpins much of the solar industry’s technological foundation.
Policy Influence and Advocacy
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Green has been an influential advocate for renewable energy policies. He has advised governments and international bodies, helping shape frameworks that support clean energy deployment and climate change mitigation. His voice has been crucial in promoting evidence-based policies that facilitate the integration of solar power into national grids.
Mentorship and Educational Leadership
As a professor at UNSW, Dr. Green has mentored hundreds of students and researchers, fostering innovation and excellence in photovoltaic research. His leadership has cultivated a collaborative research environment that continues to push the boundaries of solar technology.
He has also authored over 600 scientific papers and several key texts on solar photovoltaics, sharing his knowledge widely and influencing generations of scientists and engineers.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Martin Green’s contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the global Becquerel Prize for solar energy research, the IEEE William R. Cherry Award, and election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. His work is widely celebrated as foundational to the solar energy industry.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Dr. Green remains active in research and innovation, focusing on next-generation solar technologies like tandem cells that combine multiple materials to achieve even higher efficiencies. His ongoing work aims to further lower costs and increase the environmental benefits of solar power.