Nearly every positive story about the future of solar power seems to be followed by a negative one; problems with the grid and storage, shifting political winds, fluctuating energy prices. Join ND Energy as we bring together three panelists for a discussion about the technological, business, and policy sides of the future of solar power. Dr. Randall Ellingson, professor from The University of Toledo, Nicholas Strevel, senior manager from First Solar, and Joseph Karrasch, manager of asset investments/renewables from American Electric Power (AEP) will offer their views of the current and future state of solar energy in the United States.

Speakers:

Randall Ellingson is a professor of physics and astronomy at The University of Toledo in Ohio and a faculty member in the Wright Center for Photovoltaic Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC). He earned his B.A. in Physics from Carleton College and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University. His research interests include exploring materials for improved photovoltaic (PV) performance, working on improving PV energy conversion, and advancing thin-film solar cells.

Nicholas Strevel serves as the senior manager of module technology at First Solar. Upon joining the company in 2012, he worked as an engineer and manager in technical sales. He has been involved with utility scale PV systems and specializes in thin-film modular technology and performance. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and studied alternative energy at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule, Aachen University in Germany.

Joseph Karrasch has thirty years of electrical experience with American Electric Power (AEP) and currently serves as the manager of asset investments/renewables. In this role, he is responsible for managing the portfolio of Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements. He also has been involved in the development and review of renewable energy projects. Joseph earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and MBA from Ohio University.

Co-sponsored by the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame and the Department of Chemistry at Notre Dame.

This event is free and open to the public.  All Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Please view the poster for more information.