The ASME Solar Energy Division (SED) was established in 1966 from a group of ASME members interested in the application of solar energy to mechanical engineering systems. Solar related technologies broadly cover all renewable energy technologies (wind energy, ocean energy, bioconversion, biofuels,..) as well as energy conservation.

The core values of SED are to:

• Support a stimulating international environment of like-minded dedicated professionals wishing to advance the application of renewable energy thru basic research, applied research, development and implementation
• Create peer-reviewed high value content
• Facilitate the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge (science, engineering, technology) and information in renewable energy within ASME and at federal and state government
• Attract students and young engineers into this area and provide them a forum to better manage their careers

The SED is managed by the Executive Committee with five voting members plus the chairs of the Technical Committees and the Administrative Committees, and the Editor of the Journal of Solar Energy Engineering (JSEE) acting as ex-officio, non-voting members. The Executive Committee meets once a year during the summer conference and also holds quarterly conference calls to conduct the business of the division.