{"id":41521,"date":"2023-11-27T14:58:22","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T13:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/?post_type=project&p=41521"},"modified":"2025-09-12T15:55:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T13:55:07","slug":"circular-solar-panels-circsolar","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/en\/projects\/circular-solar-panels-circsolar","title":{"rendered":"CircSolar \u2013 a Circular Solution for Solar Panels"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \"Solar\n

Solar panel waste could reach more than 100 million tons by 2050.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n

The Issue<\/h2>\n
\n

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world and is expected to become the largest source of renewable energy by 2029. Within the EU alone, 55 GW of capacity was installed in 2023.\u00a0While this is a positive step in reducing carbon emissions, solar panels have a lifespan of two to three decades, and there\u2019s currently no circular infrastructure for handling end-of-life panels. Without action, society could face an environmental challenge with an estimated more than 100 million tons of solar panel waste globally by 2050.<\/a> Implementing a circular approach to panel management is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of solar energy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Our Solution<\/h2>\n
\n

The goal of the CircSolar project is to develop a proposal for a new national system for the circular management of solar panels. The proposed solution aims to encompass business models, incentive and compensation structures, as well as policies to support the transition to more resource-efficient and circular management of solar panels throughout their lifecycle. Through the project, stakeholders across the value chain come together to explore the possibilities of a circular system for solar panels that ensures compliance with future legal requirements, secures access to essential recycled materials, reduces the use of virgin natural resources, and enhances the competitiveness of Swedish and European solar energy.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

We aim to develop solutions that benefit all parties throughout the system. To succeed we bring together researchers as well as practitioners across the value chain \u2013 from installers to industry organizations to recyclers and producer responsibility organizations.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Johanna Olofsson Behrman, Project Manager Future Materials, Axfoundation<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Project Goals:<\/h2>\n
\n