Data-Driven Circularity for Reused Photovoltaic Modules

Objective

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has surpassed 1.4 TW globally in 2024, including 280 GW in Europe, becoming central to the energy transition. Yet by 2030, the EU alone will generate >0.16 Mt of PV waste annually, with nearly 18 Mt worldwide by 2050. Most decommissioned modules are still downcycled or landfilled, causing permanent losses of silicon, silver, copper, and glass, while undermining EU circular economy and net-zero goals. Reuse offers the highest environmental and socio-economic value, but current practice is constrained by fragmented protocols, limited field validation, and weak decision tools. CIRCULARePV, led by Dr. João Gabriel Bessa, and supervised by Prof. Ricardo Ruther (UFSC) and Prof. Eduardo Fernández (UJA) will create an integrated framework to enable reliable second-life PV deployment. The project will: (1) correlate field degradation with diagnostic markers and operating context; (2) establish a data-driven classification system using bootstrap sampling and neural networks to predict reuse potential under quantified uncertainty; and (3) assess application-specific deployment strategies for performance, affordability, and sustainability. The outgoing phase at UFSC (Brazil) provides large PV fleets and diagnostic expertise, while the return phase at UJA (Spain) contributes advanced neural modeling and circularity assessment. Together, they will deliver a science-based pathway to extend PV lifetime, reduce raw material imports and CO2 emissions, and strengthen Europe’s leadership in solar circularity.