Cross-Sector Convening: Recycling and Reuse of PV Solar Panels
Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council will host a cross-sector convening for public and private stakeholders in renewable energy, materials management, sustainable business and community development to discuss the emerging need for investment in recycling and reuse of photovoltaic solar panels, and clarity on end-of-life expectations for broken or obsolete solar equipment.
Millions of solar panels will be installed over the next two decades in Michigan in pursuit of the Mi Healthy Climate Plan and public and private-sector renewable energy commitments. As solar panels break, age or become obsolete, this will create a new concern for property owners and local communities, and new opportunities for reuse and electronic recycling. Nationally, by 2035 there are projected to be 2.5 times more discarded panels than new units installed, in addition to panels that are today broken during installation or as part of normal operation due to accidents, weather or manufacturing defects.
Convening will introduce resources for recycling and reuse of solar components, discuss common materials and manufacturing processes, and highlight opportunities to proactively address the issue through sustainability practices, new investment, and public policy.
For the past year, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum has been researching the issue alongside materials management and renewable energy stakeholders. This material is based upon work supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Event will include lunch and networking.
Featured Speakers:
- Annick Anctil, Associate Professor Civil & Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University
- John Kinch, Executive Director, Michigan Energy Options
- Tyler Kanczuzewski, Vice President of Sustainability, Inovateus Solar
- Diane Van Buren, Founder, D2 Solar
- Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
Agenda
12:00 to 12:30 – Lunch and Networking
12:30 to 1:00 – State of the State Presentation: Introduction to Materials Management for PV Solar Panels
1:00 to 2:00 – Panel Discussion
