The purpose of our association is to…

Promote the use of solar energy and other forms of renewable energy derived from the sun. We provide credible, scientifically based information, especially on active and passive solar energy, to policy makers, professionals, and the general public.

Our members are…

Scientists, engineers, consultants, teachers, architects, sustainability professionals, and the general public.

The biggest challenge our members face…

Is changing government policy when it comes to renewable energy. Rebates get cut overnight, new legislation is in limbo. It makes it uncertain to plan, and to help the public to take the strong action that is needed to move toward a carbon free economy.

Member benefits include…

Monthly meetings with guest speakers, member discounts on sustainable products, a member journal every two months and membership of the international solar society – and that comes with its own magazine and member benefits – all for $88 a year!

We advocate strongly for…

Sound science. We showcase technically feasible technology that is continually improving, and encourage its adoption.

Our greatest achievement…

Comes from our founders who invented solar hot water systems. At a time following the Second World War, when resources were scarce, this single innovation has had a profound effect on energy conservation and has brought hot water to many off grid locations. Today heating water in a domestic home can account for up to 30 per cent of the electricity used – electricity that can be saved by this important innovation.

Our events…

Include the annual Sustainable House Day, where sustainable home owners of new and retrofit homes are opened to the public to see first-hand what is possible, and hear about the triumphs and pitfalls. We also run an annual conference. This year is our 47th annual conference – Solar 09 to be run in Townsville at the end of September.

As an association it is important to…

Give people a forum to share knowledge, from those just starting out who want to know a bit about solar panels through to electric vehicles and getting electricity from cranberries. There is bound to be somebody in ANZSES who has done it, or is in the process of giving it a go.