Richard Perez holds a doctoral degree in atmospheric sciences from the University at Albany. After an extensive senior faculty tenure spearheading solar energy research at the University at Albany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, Richard Perez now serves as Consulting Scientist to the renewable energy industry, leading a multi-country task force focused on firm renewable power generation under the aegis of International Energy Agency.

Recognized with international accolades, including a US Department of Energy's Certificate for Outstanding Research and the American Solar Energy Society’s Charles Greeley Abbot Award, Perez continues to receive honors for his visionary contributions, include a Visionary Scientist Distinction from the Clean Tech Business Club, jointly with his son Marc with whom he actively collaborates at Clean Power Research, and a Solar Champion Award from the New York Solar Energy Industry Association, acknowledging his foundational research in advancing solar energy.