BECQUEREL PRIZE
European Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Merits in Photovoltaics
The European Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Merits in Photovoltaics is being awarded on the occasion of the EU PVSEC Conference. This prize was established by the European Commission in 1989 to mark the 150th anniversary of Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel’s discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839, which laid the foundation of both, photovoltaics and photography.
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Call for Nominations: 2025 Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Contributions to Photovoltaics
We are pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Becquerel Prize 2025, which honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of photovoltaic solar energy. The prize, established in 1989 by the European Commission, will be awarded during the 42nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), taking place in Bilbao, Spain, 22—26 September 2025.
Candidates must be nominated by another person. We invite all members of the community to submit nominations for deserving individuals whose work has had a major impact on the field of photovoltaics. The deadline for nominations is 12 May 2025, CET. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize excellence in photovoltaics!
Details on the application can be found here.
Please note: Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect at the age of 19 and published his groundbreaking book “La lumière, ses causes et ses effets” (Light, its causes and effects) at the age of 47. We therefore also encourage the nomination of younger candidates!

Prof. Christophe Ballif

Prof. Stefan Glunz
Promoting science, renewable energy, and people engaging for it is more important than ever, considering that the non-science-based and dangerous approach taken with respect to climate change is unfortunately getting popular nowadays. All should be aware that solar energy will be, together with wind, the key contributors to a liveable world!
Finally, the Becquerel Committee takes the chance to also announce that Prof. Stefan Glunz will act as the new Chair of the Prize, replacing Prof. Christophe Ballif, Chairman of the last four editions!
On behalf of the committee
Prof. S. Glunz, Chairman, Prof. Ballif, exiting Chairman
Becquerel Prize Winner 2024
Daniel Lincot was the winner of the 2024 Alexander Edmond Becquerel Prize.
Dr Lincot receives the award for his life-long engagement in photovoltaic research, support for industrialisation, management of research, as well as dissemination and promotion of solar energy, in particular in France.
— Christophe Ballif,
Chair Becquerel Committee

Dr Daniel Lincot
Becquerel Prize
Ceremony 2024
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Find all former winners and more details on the history of the prize here: