How Prof Lioz Etgar Of SOLRA, Red Solar Flower and TranSol Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice
An Interview With Monica Sanders
The power of storytelling: I wish someone had emphasized to me the importance of storytelling when it comes to promoting sustainability and climate justice. People connect with stories, and by sharing our own experiences and stories, we can inspire others to take action and make a difference.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Prof. Lioz Etgar.
Prof. Lioz Etgar’s innovative work in the field of renewable energy has seen him form three startups that showcase his commitment to developing sustainable solutions and promoting environmental justice. Through SOLRA PV, Prof. Etgar is developing next-generation solar cells for indoor use. Red Solar Flower, a collaboration between Prof. Etgar and Prof. Haim Rabinowitch, focuses on developing agro-photovoltaic systems that allow for dual-use of land by enabling plant growth under transparent solar panels. Additionally, Prof. Etgar’s work with TRANSOL (including Prof. Shlomo Magdassi) involves developing semi-transparent solar panel cells that can be produced quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I obtained my doctorate in physical chemistry from the prestigious Technion, where I focused on the intricate interplay between the optical and physical properties of semiconducting nanoparticles. My research culminated in the development of novel drug delivery systems employing these nanoparticles.
Following the completion of my doctorate, I was awarded a coveted Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship and joined the renowned research group of Professor Michael Graetzel at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). During my tenure at EPFL, I developed a deep understanding of solar cells and their underlying mechanisms, gaining expertise at the forefront of this field.
In 2012, I was appointed as a senior lecturer at the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), where I established a world-renowned research team dedicated to the study of excitonic solar cells. My team, which currently comprises a postdoctoral researcher, five PhD students, three master’s students, and a lab manager, has made significant contributions to the field of perovskite research.
My research centers on the synthesis and characterization of perovskite materials, as well as their use in optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and LEDs. Notably, I was the first to demonstrate the dual functionality of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite as both a light harvester and a hole conductor in solar cells, as published in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) in 2012. This ground-breaking research has garnered over 2100 citations to date.
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
Ever since I was a kid, I was always curious about how the world came to be and how things are made up. But as I grew older and learned more, I started to realize that our constant progress and increasing population were putting a strain on our resources and harming the environment. It is common for children to connect with the environment, particularly today, as did I, realizing that this was a serious issue, so I started thinking about ways we could tackle it. It didn’t take long for me to realize that just coming up with new technologies wasn’t enough. So, I decided to pursue further education and research in the field of energy supply, with a focus on finding solutions that could meet the needs of our rapidly growing global population.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
I spend most of my days in my research lab where we are focused on creating new materials for solar energy. Our aim is to make solar cells cheaper and easier to produce while also exploring new cell structures. We believe that all of this will help bring solar technology into the mainstream.
In fact, I’m proud to say that we’ve already established three spinoff companies that are doing some pretty amazing things with solar energy. For instance, we’re developing solar cells that can be used indoors, which is pretty unusual. We’re also working on solar cells that can be integrated into greenhouses without taking up any extra space. And, we’ve even developed solar windows that can change transparency depending on the amount of sunlight coming in.
All of these are unconventional uses for solar energy that you don’t see every day. Our goal is to make solar energy accessible to everyone and for every purpose. By finding these new applications, we’re confident that we can bring the power of solar energy to a much wider audience.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
Looking back on my career, I have to say that my postdoc at EPFL was a pivotal moment for me. That’s where I met my mentor, Prof. Michael Graetzel, who I believe had the biggest impact on me.
Before joining Prof. Graetzel’s lab, I didn’t know much about solar cells at all. But during my time there, I learned so much about the field that it truly opened up a whole new world for me.
Of course, it wasn’t just about learning something new. I also had to move to a new country with my family — my wife and one child at the time — and find a new place to live. All of this while still trying to pursue my research goals and make a real difference in the field.
That’s why I’m so grateful for the support of Prof. Graetzel. He helped me navigate those challenges and gave me the guidance I needed to make the most of my time there. Looking back, I can say that it was truly one of the best periods of my life — and I owe a lot of that to him.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
To me, Climate Justice means that each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect our environment, from ordinary people all the way up to decision makers. It’s not just about “talking the talk.” We need to take action too. In order to make Climate Justice a reality, we all need to take ownership of our actions, starting with the small things like reducing the amount of waste we produce and being mindful of our energy consumption at home. Even simple steps like opting for public transport or walking instead of taking the car can have a positive impact on our environment and contribute to Climate Justice.
But it’s not just up to individuals. Investors also have a role to play. By investing in projects and initiatives that have a positive impact on our planet, they can make a huge difference. Sure, there may be greater risks involved compared to investing in traditional IT companies, but the impact of these investments can be massive and far-reaching. Ultimately, it’s up to all of us to take action and work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
We’re on a mission to make solar energy a part of our everyday lives, by creating new and innovative ways to use solar cells. We’re not content with just making solar cells more efficient — we’re also exploring new frontiers, like indoor use, semi-transparent cells for greenhouses, and even solar windows!
We believe that in order to truly combat climate change, we need to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions that have a tangible impact on our daily lives. By embracing solar technology in new and unexpected ways, we can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
Innovation in the field of solar cells for greenhouses faces a major hurdle: regulations. The current regulations limit the use of solar cells in agriculture, which can hinder progress in this area. However, we have come up with a solution — by using semi-transparent solar cells, we can cover a larger area without compromising on the necessary amount of light. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly assist the agriculture industry and promote the use of green energy. Nevertheless, it’s frustrating to see how regulations can sometimes act as a barrier to the adoption of new technologies.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Incorporating sustainable and environmentally conscious practices into a business model can have numerous benefits beyond just reducing the company’s impact on the planet. In fact, such practices can actually lead to increased profitability in the long run.
One example of this can be seen in the use of solar panels. By installing solar panels on their buildings, companies can reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources, which can be expensive and subject to price fluctuations. Solar panels provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy that can save businesses money on their utility bills.
Moreover, solar panels can also generate revenue for a company through a process called net metering. This system allows businesses to sell excess energy produced by their solar panels back to the grid, earning credit on their utility bill. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, especially those with large-scale solar installations.
In addition to financial benefits, incorporating sustainable and environmentally conscious practices can also improve a company’s reputation among consumers and stakeholders. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact that businesses have on the environment and are more likely to support companies that prioritize sustainability. By promoting eco-friendly initiatives, businesses can build a loyal customer base and differentiate themselves from their competitors. From reducing energy costs through solar panels to improving brand reputation, companies that embrace sustainability are poised for success in the long term.
This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
I had several challenges which I had to face during my development of climate solutions:
- Developing climate solutions has presented me with several challenges that I had to overcome. One of my primary goals was to make solar cells more efficient while keeping costs low, which would speed up their commercialization. Working with solar cells poses a unique challenge. These devices need to produce electricity from the sun and must be stable enough to operate for years. It’s not just a matter of adding a coating to a piece of glass but rather creating a fully functional device that can withstand the test of time.
- Another challenge I faced was finding the right solution to create a real climate solution. For example, when I first thought of using solar cells, I assumed they could only be placed outside in sunny areas. But upon further reflection, I realized that windows could also generate electricity and contribute to our goal of harnessing energy from the sun in every possible way.
- It’s easy to get discouraged when faced with challenges and setbacks. However, I wish someone had told me early on that resilience is key to success in this field. We need to be able to bounce back from failures and keep moving forward with even more determination. Additionally, it’s important to remember that change takes time and we won’t see results overnight. Patience is key when it comes to tackling complex issues like climate change.
- The power of storytelling: I wish someone had emphasized to me the importance of storytelling when it comes to promoting sustainability and climate justice. People connect with stories, and by sharing our own experiences and stories, we can inspire others to take action and make a difference.
- The impact of small actions: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the climate crisis, but I wish someone had reminded me that small actions can make a big impact. Whether it’s reducing your own carbon footprint or advocating for sustainable practices in your community, every action counts towards creating a more sustainable future.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Bill Gates. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we need to take immediate action to mitigate its effects. Bill Gates has been a vocal advocate for climate change solutions and has invested significant resources in climate technology. His knowledge and experience in this field could provide valuable insights into the development of effective solutions. I believe that discussing climate change and climate technology with Bill Gates would be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from one of the leading experts in the field.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn and keep up to date with my work on the Hebrew University of Jerusalem website.
You can also connect with Yissum, the tech transfer of the Hebrew University, on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. Yissum’s work is fundamental in bringing the university’s most innovative technologies from the lab to the marketplace.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
How Prof Lioz Etgar Of SOLRA, Red Solar Flower and TranSol Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.