SPEAKER INTERVIEW: DR. GEOFF NESBITT

In talks with Dr. Geoff Nesbitt, Chief Executive Officer, Verditek

The Big 5 Solar hosts Dr. Geoff Nesbitt as one of the event's speakers at the 3rd edition of the show. Titled "Safe sustainable secret solar PV", Dr. Nesbitt's workshop takes place on November 28 at 12:00-12:45 hrs.

Dr. Geoff Nesbitt
Dr. Geoff Nesbitt

Here's what Dr. Geoff Nesbitt, Chief Executive Officer at Verditek, revealed to us ahead of the event:

Is PV Solar power really sustainable?

When considering sustainability of any product, one needs to look at its entire life cycle, including the origin of the materials, the shipping logistics (how far and efficiently have they traveled), and the end of life or recycle/upcycle of the material after the primary utilization.
A VSI PV module comprises similar materials as a conventional panel, but without glass or aluminium it avoids the CO2 footprint associated with making and sourcing those materials, which is substantial. Our PV modules are less than 3mm thick and weigh less than 3kg/m2, making them easier to flat-pack and lighter to ship, consuming less energy to send them to site.
Being light and semi-flexible, depending upon the application, we require little to no framing to install, reducing or removing the CO2 footprint of those materials too. Since we use high quality mono-silicon wafers, we harvest the same power per m2 that a conventional panel can, with an extremely low CO2 footprint.
Finally, in recycling a VSI panel there are few materials to be processed; the polymer can be gasified to provide energy (WtE) and the silver busbars and SiO2 glass can be recovered and recycled.

What is a VSI solar panel?

A VSI solar panel is a robust polymer laminate surrounding mono-silicon PV wafers, utilizing up to 22 ribbon-wires to harvest power and provide increased safety. Our modules are less than 3mm thick, weigh less than 3 kg/m2, and are easier to install than conventional PV modules.

What are the applications available and the advantages of using VSI solar panels?

VSI PV panels do not compete with conventional utility market panels but go where conventional panels cannot. Typical applications (to name just a few) are found in:
1. Industrial warehousing, which use pre-engineered roofing that has a load bearing limitation of around 7-8 kg/m2;
​2. Military and peace-keeping forces that must use diesel fuel (at > 20 $/liter) and risk lives to provision their camps;
​3. Holiday, recreational homes, and caravans that wish to be self-sufficient and cannot bear the load of a conventional panel (>20 kg/m2);
​4. Transportation of perishable goods where low-profile PV applied to trailers can reduce or remove diesel emissions and fuel costs.

How does VSI Solar make renewable energy accessible?

VSI panels compliment the conventional solar industry, allowing renewable energy to be applied where it otherwise cannot. Owners and operators in industries that want to reduce their reliance on the hydrocarbon industry and save money while doing so, now have a product that can change their business.

Why is it important for events such as The Big 5 Solar to offer free education to construction professionals?

Learning and professional development is at the core of every successful business and industry. Ignorance wastes money and misses opportunities. The Big 5 Solar makes learning fun and accessible to a wide range of construction industry professionals.

About Dr. Geoff Nesbitt -

Geoff began work as a research fellow with ICI Chemicals, followed by 22 years with Shell, in research, development and management roles, in five different countries. Executive business education was acquired at IMD, followed by a start-up in the pet-chem and pharma business. In 2010 he joined Petrofac in the UAE as their first Director of Technology where he was responsible for evaluating investment opportunities. In 2018 Geoff became CEO of Verditek, a company manufacturing extremely lightweight semi flexible solar PV technology. Verditek PV modules are around 3 mm thick and weigh less than 3 kg/m2, making them safer, easier to install, and with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional solar PV.

You can hear more from Dr. Geoff Nesbitt on "ESafe sustainable secret solar PV" at The Big 5 Solar Talks on 28th November, 12:00-12:45.
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About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

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To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.