The annual SolarPACES Awards honor the personal engagement of individuals and institutions that significantly contribute to the deployment of CSP technology. Three types of Awards can be given; for Technology Innovation, Lifetime Achievement, and since 2025, a new Technology Implementation Award.
1. Technology Innovation Award
Application Deadline: 31 July, 2026
For innovations relevant to a more rapid deployment of CSP technology through:
– Performance/cost ratio increase
– Improved manufacturing technology
– Better component lifetime
– Improved environmental profile
The innovation should be realized at least in technical prototype and its characteristics should have been published according to scientific standards.
Proposals must include:
- 1-page description of the innovative idea and its impact, and the role of the applicant(s)
- A scientific publication on details of the innovation
- CVs of the applicants
For more information on the application process: Technology Innovation Award Information
2. Lifetime Achievement Award
Application Deadline: 31 July, 2026
This award honors personal contributions to the successful development and implementation of CSP systems of an individual throughout a major phase of his/her life. Criteria are:
– Acknowledged leadership in research or management in the field of CSP technology
– Long term commitment in this field
– Promotion of international cooperation
Proposals must include:
- Brief resume of achievements (one page)
- CV of the nominee
- Letters of support from relevant entities or persons from at least 3 SolarPACES member countries
For more information on the application process: Lifetime Award Application Information
3. SolarPACES Technology Implementation Award (Deadline July 31, 2026)
- Purpose:
- To honor exemplary deployment of CSP technologies that have demonstrated scalability, reliability, and economic viability in real-world applications.
- Focus on commercial-scale plants, industrial applications, and large-scale CSP integration into energy systems.
Eligibility Criteria: 1) The project must be at least at TRL 7-9 (demonstration or commercial deployment). 2) Must show successful long-term operation and performance metrics. 3) Should contribute to cost reduction, improved efficiency, or new applications of CSP. 4) Must have positive economic, environmental, and social impact. 5) The project must have been commissioned within the last 5 years.
Examples of Eligible Projects:
- Commercial-scale CSP plants with novel operational strategies.
- Large-scale industrial solar heat integration projects.
- CSP-powered hydrogen or chemical production plants.
- Utility-scale CSP + storage projects demonstrating grid stability.
For more information on the application process: Technology Implementation Award Application Information