Albert Chan is a Consultant in RMI’s Electricity and Industry Practices, and his core expertise is in solar energy and industrial efficiency and manufacturing. Albert has been working at RMI since October 2010.  

Select RMI Projects 

• Innovative Business Models — RMI is working with the Department of Energy to convene utility and solar experts to create innovative business models that will accelerate solar adoption.
   
• Southern California Electricity Study— RMI is working with Southern California stakeholders to identify best practices as well as local solutions for the area to comply with and exceed California’s 2020 energy goals.

Background 

Albert Chan has worked as an industrial consultant to multinational companies on energy efficiency and energy generation. In 2010, he worked with one of the world’s largest mining operations to develop energy strategies to mitigate its global greenhouse gas emissions. He has also co-authored RMI’s Reinventing Fire initiative, leading the analysis for industrial energy efficiency opportunities out to 2050.

Albert is also involved with innovations in the electricity sector. He has documented best-in-class case studies of microgrid applications and is continuing to work with key stakeholders to build a more resilient, renewable, and efficient electric grid.

Prior to RMI, Albert worked at SunPower, a vertically integrated US-based solar company. As part of SunPower’s research and development team, Albert worked with chemical companies to create and test new materials to drive down the cost of PV while maintaining high module and system reliability. He traveled extensively to the Philippines to optimize manufacturing processes and introduce next generation products.

Albert’s experience has extensive roots in academia. He completed his master’s degree at Stanford University, and has served as a teaching assistant in various engineering courses. In addition, he has worked extensively at Stanford research labs on cutting edge technologies in organic photovoltaic technology, solid oxide fuel cells, and superconducting wires.

Education 

• Master of Science, Stanford University, 2006

• Bachelor of Science, Stanford University, 2005

Professional Associations/Affiliations

• Former Board Member, Sunworks

• American Society of Materials (ASM)

Publications

• Lovins, Amory et al. Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era. White River Junction, Vermont: Chelsea Green (2011)
• V. Gowrishankar, S. Scully, A. Chan, M. McGehee, et al, “Exaction harvesting, charge transfer, and charge-carrier transport,” Journal of Applied Physics. 103, 2008