SOLAR LOOP
Transforming solar panel recycling with artificial intelligence, traceability and logistics optimization
The energy transition to renewable sources has driven the massive installation of solar panels. However, this progress brings with it a new environmental challenge: the treatment of the waste generated by these panels at the end of their useful life. With an increasing volume of installations, the efficient, sustainable and cost-effective management of this waste is already a strategic priority.
Spain is one of the main European powers in terms of installed solar capacity and needs its own solutions to transform this need into an industrial and economic opportunity.
What is SOLARLOOP
A collaborative project promoted by ALIA (Innovative Logistics Association of Aragon) and co-financed by the Innovative Business Groupings (AEI) program of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Its objective is to optimize the circularity of waste from photovoltaic panels through three key axes:
- Sustainable and efficient logistics technologies.
- New treatment technologies to obtain reusable materials.
- Information technologies applied to traceability and artificial intelligence.
Main objectives
- Maximize the recovery of materials obtained (glass, silicon, semiconductors for solar panels, etc.).
- Optimize the logistics cycle from collection to final disposal.
- Unify in a single IT platform in the cloud, all traceability and comprehensive management.
- Design a digital passport to accompany each panel and facilitate its identification and therefore its treatment.
- Estimating demand and optimizing logistics processes through artificial intelligence algorithms.
- Minimize CO₂ emissions and energy consumption associated with management processes.
Positive impacts
SOLARLOOP drives the circular economy of the photovoltaic sector, reducing treatment costs and consolidating a profitable recycling industry, while generating employment and opportunities in disadvantaged areas. In addition, it integrates ecomodulation criteria and an enhanced digital passport for more sustainable and fully traceable panels.
Consortium and collaborators
Multidisciplinary alliance for a comprehensive solution
- ALIA – Logistics Cluster of Aragon (project coordinator)
- Pronet Group
- University of Zaragoza
- TECNALIA
- Careers Logistics Group
- Recycling Equipment S.L.
- ZZ Data Labs Limited Company
- CLENAR – Energy Cluster of Aragon
Our role in the project
Pronet, leader in digital intelligence for the circular economy
From Pronet, we lead the design of a cloud platform for the management and traceability of photovoltaic waste. Our work ranges from the conceptualization of the logistics cycle and the development of the IT system, to the definition of predictive algorithms for logistics optimization.
Our experience in projects regulated by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guarantees an interoperable, scalable solution aligned with the legal and environmental requirements of the sector.
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