Page 179 - ISES SWC50

Harry Suehrcke
Country: Australia
Year Started Research: 1984
Title of Research: The performance prediction of solar thermal systems
University: University of Western Australia
Still Active in Research: Yes

Harry Suehrcke became involved in solar energy research while doing his PhD under the supervision of Professor
Paul McCormick at the University of Western Australia (1984-1988). The research produced what is believed to be
the first long term study of instantaneous solar radiation on the earth’s surface. The results showed, for example, that
the solar radiation (unlike hourly irradiation) has a distinct bimodal character associated with the passing of clouds.
Following an academic appointment at James Cook University (JCU) in Queensland in 1989, Harry continued his
research on solar energy by studying a PV pumping system and carrying out further measurements of instantaneous
solar radiation. The observed bimodal radiation character enabled him to derive the relationship between sunshine
duration and solar radiation, which suggested the relationship is not linear as commonly assumed. Harry also became
involved in the commercialization of a rotomolded integral collector-storage solar water heater with Gough Plastics
(1992 to 2001). In 1993 he joined the Standards Australia CS-028 committee for Solar Heating and Cooling. In
2002 Harry returned to Western Australian to start Sunspin Pty Ltd, a consulting company specialising in thermal
and renewable energy. Harry retained his passion for research on solar radiation and in 2013 published an awarded
paper on the relationship between sunshine and radiation with Dr. Ross Bowden and Prof. Terry Hollands. The
paper suggested the physical reason for the non-linearity of the relationship is that clouds not only reduce the
radiation due to a decreased sunshine duration, but also because they become thicker and less transparent with
decreasing sunshine fraction. Currently Harry is involved with the modelling of PV systems including PV water
heaters and has joined the ISO TC 180 SC1 Measurement and Data committee. He continues research on the
variability of solar radiation on the earth’s surface.

Roger Taylor
Country: United States
Area of Research: Photovoltaic Power Systems, Deployments
Education: B.S. degree in Physics from Colorado College M.S. in
Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona
Last worked at: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Still Active in Research: No
Photo Caption: Roger Taylor at the 2017 solar eclipse.
Reference: Dave Renné & Paulette Middleton

Roger Taylor began his professional career in the 1980s working in photovoltaic power systems, including
project engineering, demand side management, inverters, solar cells and arrays, and government policies.
He played key roles in NREL’s State and Local Programs and conducted early workshops and research to
support understanding of how large penetrations of renewable power can be incorporated into electricity
grid systems and informing state and local leaders on how to support these programs. In the mid-1990s
he became a leader of NREL’s Village Power Program where he developed curriculum, workshops, and
technology transfer activities in areas of off-grid PV and wind system design, energy access, and productive
uses of solar energy as an economical way for unserved communities to become electrified in sustainable
ways. At the conclusion of the Village Power Program, he became a leader of the State, Local, and Tribal
Integrated Applications Group in the Strategic Energy Analysis and Applications Center. This program
promoted tribal energy sufficiency, economic development and employment on tribal lands through the use
of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. He became a key figure in support of the Institute
of Sustainable Development, which was a non-profit organization established by Mark Fitzgerald devoted to
developing quality training programs around the world for PV deployments.

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