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About the Episode:

By 2050, 80 million metric tons of PV modules will reach the end of their life globally. So what choices can we make now to ensure that 100% of their materials can be re-used? 

Kelly Weger, Director of Sustainability for North America at Qcells, shares insights into Qcells' action plan  to create a circular economy within the solar industry. She details their partnership with SolarCycle and how they’re fostering end-to-end circularity in their supply chain. She also touches on why Qcells pursued an EPEAT certification to validate their sustainability claims, and how much they’ve invested in a Georgia manufacturing facility to keep production close to home. If you’re a solar warrior passionate about circularity in our industry, this one’s for you!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kelly Weger:

• LinkedIn

Check out Qcells:

• Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | X | Instagram | Facebook

Expect To Learn:

• How Qcells is reducing embodied carbon throughout their supply chain, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.
• The strategy behind Qcells and SolarCycle’s circular economy recycling superhero team-up.
• What it will take to create a true circular economy in solar, a vision Qcells is actively working towards.
• How certification standards like EPEAT validate a company’s sustainability claims.
• How much Qcells has invested in their wafer manufacturing facility in Georgia (it’s a massive number).

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“The end goal isn’t just landfill diversion. We want these really valuable resources to go back into new products.”

— Kelly Weger

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.