Solar power pioneer's 'unexpected' harbour honour

Martin and Judy Green with the namesake ferry to ply its trade on Sydney Harbour. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

The father of modern solar power hopes to one day see a ferry named in his honour running on renewable energy.

Martin Green's legacy as the head of the most successful solar cell research group on the globe was recognised on Friday with the naming of a new Parramatta River-class ferry in Sydney.

While solar power's origins date to the 1860s, the PERC solar cell the University of NSW Scientia Professor invented in 1983 and his team developed to its potential now accounts for more than 90 per cent of worldwide silicon solar module production.

Paying tribute to his team including those who had gone on to kickstart China's solar industry, Prof Green said the ferry honour was "completely unexpected".

"It's a very unique honour," Prof Green told AAP.

"That ferry trip from Circular Quay to Parramatta has always been my favourite so having a ferry named after me, doing that trip every day is really something very special."

The Tasmanian-built vessel will carry passengers from late January.

The Martin Green ferry
The Martin Green ferry will join other vessels honouring pioneering scientists and innovators.

It uses 60 per cent less diesel than its predecessor and is built in a way to allow future conversion to electric power.

"One day we might see an all-electric fleet on Sydney Harbour that powered indirectly by solar at least," he said.

In the meantime, the man who embraces the nickname as the father of modern solar power is setting his sights on making more efficient panels.

A multi-material cell developed by Prof Green's team has the world record conversion of 40.6 per cent, about double the average silicon solar panel used in residential systems.

"Four different materials within the stack ... is going to be what's ultimately feasible," he said.

"But finding materials that have all the great properties of silicon - abundance, non-toxicity, stability and (ability to) make good cells from it - that's been very difficult.

"That's the challenge I'd like to solve before I retire."

The Martin Green will join sister ferries honouring other pioneering scientists and innovators, including botanist Frances Bodkin, marine biologist Isobel Bennett and radiophysicist and astronomer Ruby Payne-Scott.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store