HelioCycle

Long description

Energy from solar photovoltaic panels is in high demand due to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Manufacturing crystalline silicon solar panels is resource intensive and emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. Because solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, global photovoltaic waste is expected to reach 6 million tons by 2050. Only 10% of solar panels are currently recycled. The rest end up in landfills due to a lack of recycling regulations, panels not being designed for disassembly, and the high cost of recycling.

The recycling process is difficult as layers of solar cells are bonded together with an encapsulant, usually EVA plastic. The recycling process relies on thermal processing (which is energy and emissions intensive) to delaminate the solar cells.

HelioCycle is designing an alternative to EVA encapsulant, designed to be disassembled by hand. Our alternative will achieve equal levels of moisture control, shock absorption, solar transmission as the leading EVA encapsulant. The HelioCycle encapsulant will enable a streamlined recycling process and reduce raw material extraction. This will ultimately lead to reduced costs for manufacturing and recycling, reduced emissions from sourcing, manufacturing and processing, and waste diversion from landfills.

HelioCycle is in the R&D stage of the design process and is continuing to develop industry partnerships. By 2022 we will finish our research and develop our working prototype in consultation with industry leaders. Throughout 2022 we will complete product testing and launch to market by 2023.

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