About AuSES

The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) exists to promote scientific, social and economic development through the environmentally sound use of solar energy. Four broad objectives form the basis of most of the society’s activities:

• To promote research, development and adoption of solar energy and other complementary low emissions technologies

• To promote research into and use of solar energy in building design

• To compile and disseminate information and adoption of practices, technologies and systems for the use of solar energy and energy efficiency

• To advocate for the adoption by all levels of government of appropriate policies and programs to promote use of solar energy.

AuSES is a not-for-profit organization and is governed by a volunteer board elected by its members.

AuSES has established Academic and Industry Advisory Committees. The Advisory Committees provide specialist advice to the board to assist them in meeting the Societies objectives.

The Society has a branch in every Australian State and Territory, providing regular briefings to our members of matters of interest.

AuSES is an affiliate Section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), and AuSES members automatically gain membership of ISES.

Previously the Australian Solar Energy Society was known as the Australian New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES).  In 2009 the New Zealand Society formed their own national chapter under the International Solar Energy Society.  The two organisations continue to have close links.

The AuSES team is made up of experts and experienced staff (CEO, Administration Manager, ‘Solar Progress’ Editor, a Board of Directors, and many AuSES volunteers).

AuSES defines ‘solar energy’ as being renewable energy that originate from the sun: solar radiation (photovoltaic and solar thermal), wind (wind energy), biomass and biogas, biofuels, and hydroelectricity.

The Society plays an important role in technology development and application.

AuSES does not support fossil fuels or nuclear energy, because these energy sources are not sustainable. These forms of energy produce several risks for Australia including climate change, waste disposal, pollution risks and terrorism.

The History of the Solar Energy Society in Australia

Who were the pioneers, the inventors, and the founders of the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society? How did they meet and share their ideas, further the pursuit of solar energy usage?

Here is a short history of ANZSES (the Australian New Zealand Solar Energy Society, now AUSES, Australian Solar Energy Society). Written by Garry Baverstock, a West Australian architect with a passionate interest in the “big” picture of solar, this history covers everything from the early beginnings.

The history has been revised with the financial assistance of the Society’s Renewable Energy Promotion Fund and historian Andrea Gaynor of the University in association with Garry Baverstock.

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