Magnolia Solar names research veteran Thomas Surek to its technical advisory board

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Dr. Thomas Surek is known as a pioneer of terrestrial PV research who started his 37-year career with his growth of shaped silicon crystals at Harvard University in 1973. Recently, Surek has been appointed to Magnolia Solar’s technical advisory board (TAB) where he will be able to help the company further its promotion of PV systems as an alternative energy source. His experience in the field includes research at Mobil Tyco Solar Energy and a contributor to the large-scale commercialization of the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) process through his shaped crystal growth of silicon.

Dr. Ashok Sood, president and CEO of Magnolia Solar, stated, “We are delighted to have Dr. Surek join Magnolia Solar's technical advisory board. In the mid 70s, Dr. Surek and I collaborated on silicon ribbon technology for photovoltaics while working together at Mobil-Tyco Solar Energy Corporation (Now Schott Solar). Magnolia Solar will benefit immensely from Dr. Surek's expertise in nanostructure materials, growth technology and innovative concepts to help us accelerate the development of the critical technologies required to produce Magnolia's high efficiency third generation solar cells. Dr. Surek will also be advising us on the development of our intellectual property portfolio and expanding our patent portfolio. Magnolia plans to spend considerable effort writing and filing additional patents to protect our intellectual property throughout 2011 and beyond.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Surek joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 1978 when it was known as the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) and was a program manager during his 29-years of employment with SERI/NREL. During his last two decades at NREL, Surek led the research and development of thin-film PV and was manager of the NREL PV Program for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

After his retirement from NREL in July 2007, Surek has been a consistent proponent and consultant for PV technology. He is the author of over 100 technical articles and reports in crystal growth and photovoltaic’s and holds two patents. He has been honored with the Van Morriss award at NREL, a Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer and an Exceptional Public Service Award from the DOE.

Surek received his engineering in physics degree from McGill University and his PhD and MS in materials science from Stanford University.

Read Next

October 15, 2025
Wood Mackenzie has warned of a supply bottleneck as the renewable energy shift drives a spike in global copper demand over the next decade.
October 15, 2025
The average price of a solar PPA signed in North America increased 4% between the second and third quarters of 2025, according to LevelTen.
October 15, 2025
A report by IRENA and others has highlighted the need for yearly renewable energy deployments to almost double between now and 2030.
October 15, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Geronimo has begun construction on it’s150MW solar project in Illinois and commissioned the 125MW PV project in Michigan.
October 15, 2025
Ciel & Terre has launched a new floating PV structure designed to address the increasingly large scale of floating solar projects.
October 15, 2025
Indian module manufacturer Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, has secured solar PV module orders worth INR6.89 billion (US$78 million).

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK