Jamalia Wyllie

Email:
j.o.y.wyllie@pgr.reading.ac.uk
Job title:
Postgraduate Research Student

Areas of interest

Solar photovoltaic systems
End-of-life Management
Sustainability
Recycling & Recovery technologies
Circular Economy

Postgraduate supervision

Dr Emmanuel Essah

Professor Jacopo Torriti

Research centres and groups

Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group

Research projects

End-of-life Management of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Barbados.

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are the most viable renewable energy technology suitable for Barbados’ tropical climate and deployment has increased significantly in the last decade to decrease fossil fuel dependence. Despite Barbados’ expanding installed capacity, there remains a lack of research on the decommissioning of solar PV panels after reaching their end-of-life after 25-30 years, or premature end-of-life due to defects or damage. Solar PV panels contain hazardous elements and improper disposal can adversely affect human health and Barbados’ vulnerable environment and ecosystems.

An appropriate end-of-life (EOL) management regulatory framework can mitigate environmental issues and advise on recovery, recycling, and reduction strategies. This research seeks to determine the barriers and drivers affecting the development of an EOL management regulatory framework in Barbados to provide the necessary data that would also provide guidance for other Caribbean countries with increasing solar PV deployment.

Background

I earned a BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus (Trinidad & Tobago), and later obtained an MSc (with Distinction) in Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability from the University of Reading as a Chevening Scholar. My MSc dissertation focused on the barriers affecting the uptake of solar energy in Barbados and potential mitigation solutions. With over six and a half years of experience in the energy sector, I have successfully project managed over 12 MW of distributed solar photovoltaic systems (residential and commercial) in Barbados. I was also a nominee for the 2024 CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy (W.I.S.E) award.

My research interests are driven by a profound passion for solar and battery storage technologies, leading me to explore key areas such as sustainability, renewable energy technologies, and energy policy and management.