Solar Energy Division

The ASME Solar Energy Division (SED) was established in 1966 from a group of ASME members interested in the application of solar energy to mechanical engineering systems. Solar related technologies broadly cover all renewable energy technologies (wind energy, ocean energy, bioconversion, biofuels,..) as well as energy conservation.

The core values of SED are to:

• Support a stimulating international environment of like-minded dedicated professionals wishing to advance the application of renewable energy thru basic research, applied research, development and implementation
• Create peer-reviewed high value content
• Facilitate the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge (science, engineering, technology) and information in renewable energy within ASME and at federal and state government
• Attract students and young engineers into this area and provide them a forum to better manage their careers

The SED is managed by the Executive Committee with five voting members plus the chairs of the Technical Committees and the Administrative Committees, and the Editor of the Journal of Solar Energy Engineering (JSEE) acting as ex-officio, non-voting members. The Executive Committee meets once a year during the summer conference and also holds quarterly conference calls to conduct the business of the division.

Recognition of outstanding achievement in engineering is one of the major objectives of ASME. Through its programs of honors and awards, ASME recognizes outstanding contributions to the art and science of engineering.

Society Awards

• Frank Kreith Energy Award

Division Awards

• Graduate Student Award
• Yellott Award
• Best Paper Award

Important Award Information For Recipients of Monetary Awards

Please note that honorariums cannot be distributed without receipt of applicable tax forms. If you are a recipient of a monetary award, you will be contacted by ASME staff regarding tax forms you will need to complete, as well as how to submit them to us.

Justin Lapp
Chair | July 2022 - June 2023

Luke Venstrom
Treasurer | July 2022 - June 2023


Julia Nicodemus
Member | July 2022 - June 2023

Rohini Bala Chandran
Member | July 2022 - June 2023


Nesrin Ozalp
Immediate Past Chair | July 2022 - June 2023


Jamie Hart, Senior Manager
Technical & Engineering Communities (TEC) Operations at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Staff Contact | May 2021 - Open

Links to helpful online resources related to the division are below. If you have suggestions for other resources, please contact the division chair or ASME staff.

• ASME Landmarks Program
  Landmarks, sites and collections of historic importance to mechanical engineering are designated by ASME through its History and Heritage Landmarks Program.
• ASME History and Heritage
  ASME fosters the preservation of mechanical engineering innovations used in a wide range of applications through its History and Heritage program.

Other Links of Interest

• U.S. DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program

Other Activities

Solar Splash
A student competition for designing, building and competitively testing manned solar powered boats is sponsored by the Solar Energy Division. Called the SOLAR SPLASH, this competition draws entrants from around the United States and Japan. Should you have any questions or would like to become more involved, contact race headquarters at hq@solarsplash.com.