Page 49 - ISES SWC50

5.7 SWC Associate Supporter: American Solar Energy Society

American Solar Energy Society (ASES) was founded in 1954, the same year that Bell Labs patented the first
silicon solar cell. This highly efficient photovoltaic material launched the solar industry into a period of endless
opportunity and innovation. ASES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates for sustainable living and 100%
renewable energy. We share information, events and resources to cultivate community and power progress
in the U.S. and beyond. As the U.S. section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), we work with
individuals and groups around the world to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy and sustainable
living society. ASES is based in Boulder, Colorado.
ASES was established by visionaries who imagined a brighter future than the preceding post-war decades
had produced. These pioneering minds understood the deep historical precedent of thousands of years of
solar utilization through passive solar design and solar thermal technology. They envisioned a new era of
energy innovation when these and other proven technologies would speed the world toward a more peaceful,
sustainable energy economy.

ASES and ISES began as the Association for Applied Solar Energy (AFASE),founded in Arizona by Farrington
Daniels (a University of Wisconsin researcher), together with Arizona businessmen Henry Sargent, Walter
Bimson, and Frank Snell. The first AFASE solar conference was held shortly thereafter, in Tucson in 1955,
followed by the World Symposium on Applied Solar Energy the following week in Phoenix. The scientists from
Bell Labs demonstrated their solar cells at the exhibition associated with the Phoenix Conference. In January
1964 the AFASE changed its name to the Solar Energy Society (SES). By then the SES already had several
international branches (later called Sections); the first being Australia-New Zealand, formed in 1962, followed
by Chile and then Italy. The SES had financial difficulties throughout the 60’s. In 1970 the Australian-New
Zealand section invited the SES Board to host their meeting in Melbourne. A five day Congress, with financing
from the Australian Government, was organised in conjunction with that meeting. At that Board meeting
it was decided to move the SES offices from Arizona to Melbourne, and also agreed on a proposal for the
creation of the American Solar Energy Society. The official name changes to ISES and ASES occurred in 1971
when the necessary legal documents were filed. In 1976 Karl Boer created the first ASES office in Florida, and
in 2020 ASES re-domesticated in Colorado.

The vision that launched an industry

Many among solar, renewable energy and sustainability’s finest have left their marks on ASES. Whether as
leaders, supporters, staff, board members, educators, researchers, or advisors, their tireless efforts, expertise
and vision over more than 60 years have had a positive, dramatic effect. Could they have imagined the many
business models and economies they would spawn? The subsequent entrepreneurship, research and design
ultimately shifted 21st century thinking and lifestyle toward smarter, more sustainable lifestyle choices.

ISES SWC50 - The Century of Solar-Stories and Visions | 31