Solar energy has become a crucial element of global renewable energy initiatives1. It is one of the renewable energy sources with a relatively long-life span, which is estimated to be at least 30 years. In recent years, the capacity of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has grown exponentially and its capacity is expected to further increase due to the decarbonization of the economy and the promotion of renewable energy generation by the countries. As the installation of PV systems grows, so does the generation of waste. By 2030, the generation of this type of waste could reach 1.7-1.8 Mt and by 2050 near to 60-78 Mt3.
The Horizon Europe SOPHIA project addresses the problem of photovoltaic panels End of Life, their management and the society awareness on electronic waste management. The project will implement several Advanced Digital Solutions, involving all actors in the value chain, in order to increase the reuse and repair rates of these products. The project aims to implement Advanced Digital Solutions in end-of-life solar panels, involving the full value chain, in order to increase their current reuse, repair and recycling rates. For the evaluation of their State-of-Health (SoH), a prototype will be developed for a fast evaluation of its efficiency, black areas and main damages.
