Circular Economy: Turning Solar Panels into Resources for the Future Workshop

Thursday 9th July, The Great Hall, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne

This workshop provides an introduction to the principles of the circular economy and their application within the photovoltaic sector. It explores how the increasing volume of end-of-life solar panels can be addressed through innovative recycling, material recovery, and sustainable business models. The session combines conceptual foundations with applied perspectives, highlighting current international trends and opportunities for collaboration across academia and industry.

The workshop will be co-delivered by European experts on PV sustainability including, Nieves Espinosa, who has recently led an International Energy Agency review of sustainability standards in photovoltaics.

This half-day workshop is part of the Renewable Energy Northeast Universities training programme and will be useful for professionals and students working on the circular economy and, in particular, in the context of photovoltaics. It is FREE to attend but spaces are limited. An outline of the workshop timings (approximate) and content can be found below.

09:30 - Tea, coffee and registration

10:00 - Introduction to the circular economy

10:30 - The photovoltaic sector and end-of-life challenges

11:15 - Break

11:30 - Technologies and solutions

12:00 - Case studies and policy

12:30 - Lunch

13:30 - Stakeholders and system approaches

14:00 - Group discussion

15:00 - Workshop close and refreshments 

Complete the form below to register.

Deadline for registration is Friday 29th May