Professor Martin Green stands as a world-renowned leader in solar energy research, globally recognized as the 'father of modern photovoltaics' for his transformative contributions to renewable energy technology. He currently serves as Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, holding the university's highest academic honor, and directs the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, a collaborative initiative spanning multiple Australian research institutions. Born in Brisbane on July 20, 1948, Professor Green received his education at Brisbane State High School before completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Queensland. He pursued doctoral research on a Commonwealth Scholarship at McMaster University in Canada, specializing in solar energy, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career that commenced at UNSW in 1974 when he established the pioneering Solar Photovoltaics Group.
Professor Green's groundbreaking invention of the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cell technology in 1983 represents one of the most significant milestones in photovoltaic history, fundamentally transforming solar power efficiency and commercial viability. His research group has held the world record for silicon solar cell efficiency for 30 of the last 39 years, establishing multiple breakthroughs that have propelled the industry forward. The PERC technology he pioneered now accounts for 91.2% of worldwide silicon solar module production, demonstrating its overwhelming dominance in the global market. Professor Green's work has catalyzed solar energy's transformation from a prohibitively expensive niche technology to the world's cheapest and most scalable electricity source, playing a pivotal role in the global shift toward renewable energy solutions for climate change mitigation.
Beyond his technical contributions, Professor Green has profoundly shaped the global solar industry through mentorship, with many former students becoming key figures in China's solar sector and driving greater than 90% cost reductions in solar technology over the last decade. His seminal textbook 'Solar cells: Operating principles, technology and system applications' (1982) remains the most highly cited work in the field, reprinted numerous times and translated into multiple languages. Recognized with numerous prestigious international awards including the 2021 Japan Prize, 2022 Millennium Technology Prize, and 2023 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, Professor Green continues to influence the field as editor-in-chief of 'Progress in Photovoltaics' and through ongoing research at UNSW. His vision for making solar energy the prime weapon in combating climate change continues to inspire researchers and industry leaders worldwide, ensuring his legacy as a pivotal figure in humanity's transition to sustainable energy.
