SOLARIS: Supporting optimisation of photovoltaic resource efficiency and sustainability

Photovoltaics (PV) are a main pillar of the future global energy system, giving Europe a crucial opportunity to become independent from imported fossil fuels. With a circular economy approach—as PV technology is almost 100% recyclable—and supportive eco-design strategies, Europe can significantly reduce both its energy dependency and the environmental impact of its energy sector.

However, despite clear goals for PV deployment, support for developing a comprehensive European industrial supply chain remains minimal. Understanding the underlying technological developments, material flows, and resource requirements is therefore crucial for the continent’s success.

The SOLARIS project is specifically designed to address this gap. It leverages its expertise to provide the guidance and data that support Europe’s transition, offering recommendations on policy measures to guide decision-makers along this path.

SOLARIS combines projected technology and market development scenarios to create a deep understanding of the entire PV value chain, from material mining to end-of-life recycling. This comprehensive analysis assesses future material requirements, waste recycling strategies, and related environmental and social impacts, while also highlighting opportunities to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint and resource criticalities.

A key output of the project is a specialized database that compiles variables contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) and Energy Payback Time (EPBT) savings. This tool helps identify strategies and best practices to considerably reduce emissions at each value stage. The outputs from SOLARIS enable the PV industry to make cross-comparisons in processes and materials, which incentivizes best practices and increases preparedness for a resilient EU PV supply chain.

Our main tasks

• Database, data management and validation
• Stakeholder MFA tool
• Project identity, communication & dissemination
• Exploitation and IPR management
• Training and education

Partners

Start date – finish date

09 / 2025 - 08 / 2028