Dr. Martin Green ‘74

Known and respected internationally as one of the world’s foremost experts in photovoltaics, Dr. Green is an engineer who specializes in the utilization of solar energy and improving the efficiency of solar cell technology. Dr. Green and his colleague, Dr. Stuart Wenham, currently hold the world record for solar cell performance.

Dr. Green graduated from McMaster University with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1974. He came to McMaster after successfully completing both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering at the University of Queensland. Dr. Green’s initial research interest was microelectronics, but his desire to make a difference to the general welfare of humankind led him to photovoltaics. Since then, Dr. Green’s career has been devoted to harnessing solar power and improving the efficiency of solar cells. His award–winning research has led to significant innovations in the field and world recognition. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Green and Dr. Wenham have invented seven distinct solar cell technologies and have increased solar cell efficiency from 15% to 24.5% for converting sunlight into electricity. The hope for such technology includes improving the economics of solar energy for residential and commercial buildings, and bringing power access to remote and impoverished areas. Dr. Green’s solar cells were also used in the homes of the Athletes’ Village for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.