SOLARIS · Supporting optimisation of photovoltaic resource efficiency and sustainability

With photovoltaics being expected as the main pillar of the future global energy system by 2050, understanding the underlying technological developments, their supply chain material flows, resource requirements, environmental life cycle impact and circular economy potential becomes crucial for the European continent. In the transition to an increasing electrification of the energy system, Photovoltaics gives Europe the opportunity to become independent from importing fossil fuels. With a circular economy approach – as PV technology is to almost 100% recyclable – supported by and eco design strategies, Europe has the opportunity to become less energy dependent from outside and at the same time significantly reduce the environmental impacts in its energy sector.The SOLARIS project has the expertise and is designed to give guidance and support this goal with underlying data on future market and technology development, related resource use and supply chains, environmental impact and recommendations on policy measures to guide European decision makers along this path in the future.Despite clear goals on PV deployment, support for the development of a European industrial supply chain has been minimal.SOLARIS will combine projected technology and market development scenarios from material mining to End of Life including recycling strategies for a deeper understanding of the future required material resources and waste recycling strategies throughout the whole PV value chain and analyse related environmental and social impacts and highlight opportunities for reducing the industry’s environmental impact and reduce resource criticalities.SOLARIS will also develop a database that compiles variables that contribute to GHG/CO2 and EPBT savings, which can be combined to show strategies and best practice to considerably reduce GHG/CO2 emission and EPBT time at each value stage. The outputs of SOLARIS will enable the PV industry to benchmark cross-comparisons in processes and materials which can incentivise best practice to lower the environmental impacts and increase preparedness for an EU PV supply chain.