The International Solar Energy Society is the oldest and largest international non-profit organization for the promotion of solar and renewable energy. 

It was founded by businessmen and industrialists in the United States in 1954. Its activities were mainly redirected to the scientific and technological aspects of solar energy in 1964 when ISES pioneers had to come to terms with the fact that the maturity of solar technology would not be achieved for some time yet. The first ISES Headquarters were located in the United States until 1970 when they were moved to Australia, from where they were moved again to Freiburg, Germany in 1995. Today ISES has around 30.000 members in over 100 countries, including associate members of the 48 ISES National Sections. More than 500 research institutions and organizations from all over the world participate in ISES activities.

The core of ISES membership is made up of the world's leading scientists and experts in solar and renewable energy technologies, covering such diverse fields as solar thermal and solar photovoltaic, solar architecture or wind and biomass energy.

The core structure of ISES is made up of National Sections. Several are key players in their own country with a broad range of activities. The official language is English, but through the National Section network ISES has become a truly polyglot Society.

Our publications, congresses and web-based information systems allow a continuing global dialogue among a large number of researchers, professionals, industrialists, decision and policy makers, contributing to the advancement of research and to promoting markets.

The current prospects for solar industry to become a leading growth industry in the forthcoming decades are a challenge to ISES and its membership. We have started projects like the International Solar Cities and SAFELAND and we are focusing on how to promote a broad integration of all renewables in our energy systems and infrastructures.

Currently, at least 2000 cities around the world are seriously committed to the implementation of the Agenda 21, and this group will certainly be growing with the expected major local government role in achieving sustainability. 

In order to see solar energy power our cities and rural areas in the future we are developing new expertise among us, from energy planners to energy system engineers and architects, to system analysts, able to work closely in designing the solar energy infrastructure which will replace traditional energy infrastructures. 
 
 

If you would like to have more information on ISES and its National Sections, or to join our global network, please use this Web site. 

Help us in promoting new expertise and more international ties and local activism to promote solar energy.
 

Dr. Cesare Silvi
President