NREL engineer to be recognized at 39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – June 13, 2013 – The IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC) planning committee today announced the winner of its prestigious William R. Cherry Award: Dr. Keith Emery of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Dr. Emery will be formally honored for his career accomplishments at the 39th IEEE PVSC, to be held June 16-24 in Tampa, Fla.

Dr. Emery has devoted more than three decades to photovoltaic science, currently serving as Principal Engineer and Manager of the PV Cell and Module Performance Characterization Group at NREL's National Center for Photovoltaics. Since establishing the PV cell performance characterization laboratory at NREL in 1980, he has built a reputation as an expert in the efficiency measurement and performance analysis of photovoltaic technologies. Dr. Emery also provides consulting expertise on PV measurement and solar simulation to hundreds of individuals and groups each year, both within NREL as well as to the PV community at large.

"Keith's invaluable contributions to the science of photovoltaics have resulted in the development of critical measurement tools essential to the maturation of the industry," said Dr. Ryne Raffaelle, Conference General Chair for the 39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. "This well-deserved award reflects the committee's high esteem for Dr. Emery's professional accomplishments and appreciation for all he has done to advance our field."

The Cherry Award is named in honor of William R. Cherry, a founder of the photovoltaic community. In the 1950s, Cherry was instrumental in establishing solar cells as the ideal power source for space satellites and for recognizing, advocating, and nurturing the use of photovoltaic systems for terrestrial applications. The William R. Cherry award was instituted in 1980 to recognize individual engineers or scientists who have dedicated their professional lives to the advancement of the science and technology of photovoltaic energy conversion.

The 39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference serves as a global meeting place for the industry's brightest minds to discuss the latest research, developments and trends in the sector. The PVSC's highly respected technical conference will begin Monday, June 16, with a keynote address from Shayle Kann, Vice President of Research for Greentech Media. The 39th IEEE PVSC will also feature a lively exhibition hall with nearly 600 technical poster presentations and displays from the industry's top research and engineering organizations.

Registration information for the 39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference can be found at http://www.ieee-pvsc.org/PVSC39/pages/registration-information.php.

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