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.

www.becquerel-prize.org

Becquerel Prize Winner 2026

Congratulations to Dr. Delfina Muñoz, winner of the 2026 Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel Prize

Dr. Delfina Muñoz receives this prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding scientific contributions and influential leadership in advancing crystalline silicon photovoltaics. Over nearly two decades, she has been a key architect of high efficiency and reliable industrial PV technologies from research to industrial application.

As Research Director and strategic project manager at CEA CEA INES, Dr. Muñoz has successfully led major national, European and industry-driven collaborative projects. Her research on interfaces in photovoltaic devices has been instrumental in improving both conversion efficiency and long-term reliability. Her achievements are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications, 16 patents, and the co-editing of the book N-Type Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics: Technology, Applications and Economics.

Delfina Muñoz

Dr. Muñoz also holds leading roles in European photovoltaic strategy as Co-Chair of the ETIP PV Steering Committee and Technology Working Group, and as a Board member of the European Solar Manufacturing Council. With remarkable optimism and enthusiasm, Dr. Muñoz has built a strong network across the PV community, mentored 12 PhD students and actively promoted the empowerment of women in science. She is honoured for her scientific excellence, strategic vision and lasting contribution to the photovoltaic community. Dr. Muñoz truly embodies the spirit and criteria of the Becquerel Prize.

On behalf of the Becquerel Prize Committee, we cordially congratulate Dr. Delfina Muñoz and thank her for her outstanding commitment to photovoltaics.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz, Chair Becquerel Committee.

The official prize ceremony will take place during the opening session of the 43rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition. The Laudation speech will be given by Dr. Veronica Bermudez Benito.