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On the industrial site of chemical concern Sabic in Genk, Belgium, a large solar installation of 2.4 megawatts has been installed. Important detail: the solar panels are fully circular and made by the Dutch company Solarge from Weert.

Solarge from Weert can make lightweight solar panels thanks to its production process. | Credit: Solarge

The solar panels are made of a special type of polypropylene that was supplied by Sabic. Among other things, this material makes them 50 percent lighter than traditional panels, making them particularly suitable for rooftops. In addition, at the end of their lifespan of about 25 years, the panels can be taken apart and all parts reused. According to the companies involved, this is the first time a circular solar roof of this size has been installed.

Solar panels on roofs

The solar installation was installed by ENGIE on the roofs of Sabics chemical site in Genk. In total, ENGIE placed 4,700 panels, good for a capacity of 2.4 megawatts. It is estimated that the installation will generate 2,000 megawatt hours of solar power annually. About 97 percent of that energy will be used by Sabic itself, representing about 5 percent of the chemical site's energy demand.

Solarge produces its lightweight panels in Weert. The company is able to keep the environmental impact of their panels relatively low because it uses fewer materials and has a shorter production chain. In addition to Sabic's polypropylene, for example, it uses backsheets from Germany. Eventually, Solarge wants to produce the backsheets itself.

Competition from China

By far the majority of all solar panels in Europe come from China. The country exports them to Europe at very low prices, making it difficult for solar panel manufacturers here to compete. At the same time, Europe wants to become less dependent on China.

Recycling solar panels

Another impending challenge in the solar panel industry is the recycling of old panels. With a lifespan of about 15 to 25 years, the older panels laid at the start of this millennium are slowly needing replacement. And that flow of discarded solar panels will only increase in the coming years. In our country, an estimated quarter of a million panels will be eligible for disposal by 2030.

Because many parts are glued together, recycling options are limited for now. Chances are that old panels will end up in the shredder and as filler material in concrete. Fortunately, innovative recycling techniques are also being worked on, including by TNO, that make it possible to recover valuable materials.

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