Champions of Change
Rajendra Singh, PhD serves as D. Houser Banks Professor in the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Starting as a graduate student in 1974 and working on silicon solar cells as topic of PhD his thesis dissertation, in the last 40 years Dr. Singh has played the role of visionary leader to advance the technology of photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing. Based on Dr. Singh’s contributions several companies are selling fast-processing furnaces for manufacturing photovoltaic modules. Based on economic considerations, in 1980 he predicted silicon as the dominant PV material. To transform global electricity infrastructure, he is providing leadership to use PV as the source of local direct current electricity in U.S., emerging and underdeveloped economies. To prepare future solar leaders of the 21st century, mentoring students at all levels (including pre high school) is his passion. He is actively involved with civic groups (e.g. Sierra Club) to bring legislation and regulations in South Carolina that will lead to the growth of solar-generated electricity.