The European solar sector is on the cusp of a circularity test, projections indicate that by 2040, cumulative photovoltaic waste in the EU could reach between 6 and 13 million tones, potentially climbing to 21–35 million tones by 2050 if design and reuse strategies are not implemented.
Addressing this looming challenge, the PV RESILIENCE project—led by TNO with contributions from researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)—is advancing solar energy systems that are not only low-carbon in generation but sustainable across their entire lifecycle. Mara Hauck, from Technology, Innovation and Society, and Olaf van der Sluis, from Mechanical Engineering, are central to the initiative, integrating technical, material, and societal perspectives into the design and deployment of circular solar technologies.
PV RESILIENCE emphasizes that solar panels should be designed for disassembly, repair, and reuse, minimizing the use of adhesives and non-recyclable encapsulants while prioritizing sustainable materials. This approach is critical given the complex composition of modern PV modules: silicon cells layered with glass, metals, polymers, and sometimes rare or difficult-to-recycle materials. Panels that are difficult to deconstruct increase the energy, cost, and environmental impact of recycling, undermining the net sustainability of solar energy expansion. By focusing on modular design and end-of-life reuse, researchers aim to convert discarded panels into feedstock for the next generation of modules, reducing the material footprint of large-scale PV deployment.
Hauck emphasizes the importance of embedding technological solutions in societal contexts. Circular solar energy will only be effective if it does not transfer environmental burdens to vulnerable communities. Through partnerships with organizations such as BouwHulpGroep, Kamp C, and Biosphere Solar, PV RESILIENCE is exploring ways to make reusable solar technologies accessible to all citizens, including residents of social housing. Assessing trade-offs in materials and processes ensures that environmental gains are real and distributed equitably, aligning with broader sustainability and energy justice objectives.
From a materials and engineering perspective, Van der Sluis focuses on the mechanical integrity and longevity of solar modules. By investigating alternatives to conventional encapsulants and adhesives, and optimizing the structural assembly of panels, his work seeks to maintain performance while simplifying end-of-life processing. The goal is a system in which panels not only survive decades in operation but can be efficiently disassembled, refurbished, or recycled, providing raw materials for subsequent production cycles. This approach addresses both the anticipated growth in PV deployment and the consequent increase in waste, offering a path to decouple energy generation from environmental degradation.
PV RESILIENCE exemplifies a comprehensive strategy that integrates material science, industrial design, policy considerations, and societal engagement. The project demonstrates that sustainable solar energy must extend beyond generation metrics to include lifecycle impacts, supply chain ethics, and community access.
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