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Webinar Description
Thursday, August 22, 2019, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET
The solar energy market has grown significantly in the past few years. With the increasing number of solar panels being sold and installed in the United States each year, solar panels are ending up in the waste stream as well. While solar panel recycling is not yet widespread in the United States, organizations are busy laying the important groundwork to build the necessary collection, management and recycling systems.
This webinar covers the basics of the solar panel technology design and explores the impact of these solar panels on the waste management and recycling systems of today. It also includes insights into efforts by state governments to address solar panels in the waste stream and the trends they are seeing.
Video: Shining the Light on Solar Panel Recycling - A Status Update Exit
Speakers
Garvin Heath is a senior scientist in the Strategic Energy Analysis Center of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). At NREL, he specializes in analyzing the environmental impacts of energy systems, using the tools of life cycle assessment, air quality engineering and sustainability analysis. He holds a doctorate in Energy and Resources from the Energy and Resources Group of the University of California (UC), Berkeley. He also holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley. His previous professional experience includes service as an environmental engineer at the U.S. EPA, in addition to various assignments with researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Environmental Defense Fund. He currently resides in Boulder, Colorado, where he also holds an adjunct research position at the University of Colorado at Boulder
Evelyn Butler is the Senior Director of Codes and Standards at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Evelyn leads SEIA's strategy, proposal development, member engagement and policy advocacy efforts for SEIA’s technical areas. She is the lead staff liaison for several member groups on the following topics: Codes & Standards, including corrosion protection; Mounting Systems Manufacturers; the PV Recycling and End-of-Life Management; Operations and Maintenance; Quality Assurance, including best practices development; and Installer Safety & Workforce Development. Prior to joining SEIA, she managed UL’s global solar business for over 15 years.
Jennifer Martin of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center of University of Illinois, identifies and tracks emerging issues and research needs related to energy, waste, public health and the environment. Her professional career includes a wide range of experience developing and evaluating programs on energy and conservation. Jennifer’s work has been fundamental in the development and implementation of solar training workforce strategies, which are now helping to build a more robust solar energy market in the Midwest. In addition to her work, Jennifer also serves on the board of directors for the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and advises for multiple working groups in Illinois, helping to ensure a strong and equitable renewable energy transition in the Midwest.
Casey Hines is a recycling sales executive at Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations. He has more than two years of experience in end-of life electronics and solar sales for both residential and commercial customers, as well as nationwide business development. Hines began his career with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations in Information Technology asset disposition, focusing on memory and processors. He also has several years of experience as a recycling account manager and inside sales representative. Prior to his experience in the recycling industry at Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations, Hines worked with at-risk youth for six years at an alternative education school. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Viterbo University.
Slides
You may need a PDF reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.- Introductory Slides for the August 22, 2019, Webinar (PDF)(3 pp, 265 K)
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PV Modules End of Life Management Setting the Stage (PDF)(15 pp, 2 MB)
Garvin Heath's webinar presentation slides
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A Survey of U.S. Policies and Initiatives (PDF)(3 pp, 511 K)
Garvin Heath's additional webinar presentation slides
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PV End-of-Life Management (PDF)(10 pp, 2 MB)
Evelyn Butler's webinar presentation slides
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State Considerations for Solar Energy End-of-Life Management (PDF)(8 pp, 6 MB)
Jennifer Martin's webinar presentation slides
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Environmentally Responsible Solutions: Solar Panel Recycling (PDF)(8 pp, 681 K)
Casey Hines' webinar presentation slides