The challenge

If we successfully transition to a renewable energy system, we will be left with 560 million tonnes of solar waste in 2050. The industry is working hard to recycle conventional panels, but they are not made to be recycled. EVA lamination is used to glue the entire panel together and toxic chemicals are used to optimise panel performance. Most panels are either produced in unethical working conditions, or the information about the conditions are unclear.

The solution

We are developing a modular PV module design, which can be disassembled for repair or refurbishment, it can be upgraded with new technology, and it can be recycled at high value at its end-of-life. The hardware we develop is open-source, enabling anyone to contribute to the concept. In our production, we avoid human rights violations by working with sustainable and responsible suppliers

Mission

Biosphere Solar is a global collective aiming to make circularity and transparency the norms in solar design