The International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
ISES is the largest international solar organization, with extensive membership worldwide. ISES has members in more than 110 countries, and Global contacts and partners in over 50 countries with thousands of associate members, and almost 100 company and institutional members throughout the world. Young ISES, a network of students and young professional ISES members, is now connecting young solar professionals worldwide. ISES has a track record of strongly supporting the solar industry, helping shape public opinion through education and outreach activities and providing informed comment on global issues.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Solar Energy
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Year Founded:
- 1954
Who We Are
For over 60 years the members of The International Solar Energy Society (ISES )have undertaken the product research that has helped the renewable energy industry to grow. ISES, through its knowledge sharing and community building programs, helps its global membership provide the technical answers to accelerate the transformation to 100% renewable energy and thereby achieve the following vision: The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) envisions a world with 100% renewable energy for everyone used wisely and efficiently.
Key advocacy roleISES advocates
- Knowledge sharing on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
- Universal energy access, including:
- Decentralized energy systems
- Smart grids
- Village and community power
- Renewable systems integration
- International cooperation
- Comprehensive assessments/roadmaps
About ISES
Extensive Membership
ISES is the largest international solar organization, with extensive membership worldwide. ISES has members in more than 110 countries, and sections in over 50 countries with thousands of associate members, and almost 100 company and institutional members throughout the world. Young ISES, a network of students and young professional ISES members, is now connecting young solar professionals worldwide.
Long History
ISES is the longest standing solar organization in the world, with its roots dating back to 1954. In 1963 ISES became accredited with the United Nations and has been working with UN entities and programs since, taking part in important events like the UNFCCC Climate Change Conferences and the UN Commission on Sustainable Development meetings. Read more about our extensive history here.
Trusted Advisor
ISES provides objective, scientific advice to governments and the public at a global level. ISES strong research and academic foundations bring credibility to its advise on technical and policy issues related towards achieving 100% renewable energy worldwide. See more about the ISES activities and publications here.
Key Advocacy Role
ISES has a track record of strongly supporting the solar industry, helping shape public opinion through education and outreach activities and providing informed comment on global issues.
ISES Advocates
- Knowledge sharing on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
- Universal energy access, including:
- Decentralized energy systems
- Smart grids
- Village and community power
- Renewable systems integration
- International cooperation
- Comprehensive assessments/roadmaps
ISES Structure
The members of ISES form the foundation on which the ISES vision, goals and activities are built. From all over the world, our members form a global community unified through a common goal - to advance the transition to a 100% renewable energy world.
ISES is governed by the Board of Directors, who are elected by the membership. The Board of Directors elects the Executive Committee which works closely with the Headquarters-Secretariat to implement the decisions of the Board and carry out the Society's activities.
The ISES Sections are organisations working at the national or regional level and represent the international organisation at this level. Members are encouraged to be involved with the Sections in their area.
The ISES Divisions are organised around technologies and cross-cutting analysis. By joining a Division members have the opportunity to work more closely with colleagues around the globe on specific issues and topics.
Our History
Highlighting 60 Years of ISES History
In the 1950s a group of forward thinkers recognised the need to create an organisation to promote the development and application of solar energy. A detailed account of the creation and the first 50 years of our history are documented in the ISES history book published in 2004. 60 years later, it is worth highlighting, the motivation for creating the Association for Applied Solar Energy, which later became ISES, namely to promote the development and application of solar energy. The Associations objectives as defined in the incorporating by-laws, were: to foster and encourage the research, development, application and education in the fields related to solar and other energies.
The dream of our ISES founders of a global solar energy industry has become a reality. As reported in the REN 21 2015 Global Status Report, global new investment in renewable energy exceeded USD 270 billion; the total installed capacity of solar PV reached 177 GW and an estimated 7.7 million people worldwide are working directly or indirectly in the renewable energy sectors. The growing markets are the result of breakthroughs in research and development, which have led to major achievements in improving solar energy technologies, and thus drive down costs.
Yet, the ISES goals to promote the development and application of solar energy technologies globally are more relevant than ever. The challenges Farrington Daniels, Henry Sargent and others recognized 60 years ago are more urgent today and are expounded further by the growing risk of climate change. ISES is looking forward to lead the energy transformation to a 100% renewable energy world during this century.
What ISES Does
The underlying goal behind the work of ISES is to advance the transition to a renewable energy world. ISES is committed to 100% renewable energy for all used efficiently and wisely.
ISES provides key timely information on renewable energy technology and innovation breakthroughs, policy mechanisms and changes, investment strategies and deployment opportunities.
Some of the ways we do this are to:
- Promote solar research and development worldwide
- Advocate for a sustainable global solar industry
- Support workforce development
- Provide authoritative advice on renewable energy issues world-wide
- Support career growth of Young ISES members
- Promote energy education at all levels
- Ensure our strong credible renewable energy voice is heard by participating in international decision making meetings
- Increase the strength of our voice by building partnerships with other complimentary international organisations
- Provide higher global visibility for the products and services of business and institutions working in renewable energy
Why Join ISES?
Join ISES to
Make a difference
With your membership you join a global organization whose members are advancing scientific breakthroughs and strategies needed for a rapid transition to a 100% renewable energy future. ISES members are engaged development of new international market opportunities for RE technologies and extending RE research programs.
Keep informed
ISES provides regular news reports and other publications and materials on progress in renewable energy developments worldwide, and manages the world-renowned peer-reviewed Solar Energy Journal, the leading scientific journal on solar energy.
Be connected
ISES provides opportunities to engage with businesses, professionals, and decision makers through international congresses, regional conferences, ongoing policy and educational programs, and other networking events.