Ian Marius Peters Leads Cradle to Cradle-PV Project to Develop Circular Recycling Concepts
We are delighted to announce a remarkable achievement by one of our own at FAU Solar. Dr. Ian Marius Peters, affiliated with HI ERN, has received one of the coveted Consolidator Grants from the European Research Council (ERC). This prestigious award recognizes his groundbreaking work and comes with funding of approximately €2 million over a span of 5 years.
Dr. Peters’ project, known as C2C-PV, is dedicated to advancing recycling concepts for solar modules. The aim is to transition from renewable to sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the cradle-to-cradle (C2C) philosophy. While recycling is a mandatory practice within the European Union, the photovoltaics (PV) industry faces a unique challenge. Modern solar modules are designed to have a long lifespan, which is undoubtedly a commendable feature. However, this durability leads to a significant issue—most modules eventually end up as waste in landfills.
The conventional recycling process for these modules involves shredding, burning, and sorting materials into glass, silicon, and metal components. Unfortunately, many of these materials are relegated to low-grade applications and cannot be effectively reintegrated into a circular economy.
The C2C-PV project, fueled by Brussels’ funding, seeks to revolutionize this approach. It aims to develop solar modules not for eternity but for a perpetual cycle of use and reuse. The project’s ambition goes beyond design; it aims to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing fully circularly recyclable modules.
Dr. Peters emphasizes the potential impact of success: “If the project is successful, it could help avoid more than 50 million tons of electronic waste. This could help develop renewable energy into sustainable energy.”
In response to this achievement, Prof. Christoph Brabec expresses his pride and commendation: “This is a great personal success and a confirmation of the scientist’s outstanding work. Ian Marius Peters can be deservedly proud of this personal ERC grant. It is a real award for his innovative and excellent research performance. The project ideally supports our research strategy and ensures that HI ERN remains at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We here at HI ERN are all very pleased with him.”
Dr. Peters’ accolade underscores FAU Solar’s commitment to groundbreaking research in renewable energy and sustainability. His dedication to developing sustainable solutions for solar module recycling aligns perfectly with our mission, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact his work will have on the future of renewable energy. Congratulations, Dr. Ian Marius Peters, on this well-deserved recognition and grant!
Further Information
High Throughput Characterization and Modelling for PV
Ian Marius Peters Leads Cradle to Cradle-PV Project to Develop Circular Recycling Concepts
We are delighted to announce a remarkable achievement by one of our own at FAU Solar. Dr. Ian Marius Peters, affiliated with HI ERN, has received one of the coveted Consolidator Grants from the European Research Council (ERC). This prestigious award recognizes his groundbreaking work and comes with funding of approximately €2 million over a span of 5 years.
Dr. Peters’ project, known as C2C-PV, is dedicated to advancing recycling concepts for solar modules. The aim is to transition from renewable to sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the cradle-to-cradle (C2C) philosophy. While recycling is a mandatory practice within the European Union, the photovoltaics (PV) industry faces a unique challenge. Modern solar modules are designed to have a long lifespan, which is undoubtedly a commendable feature. However, this durability leads to a significant issue—most modules eventually end up as waste in landfills.
The conventional recycling process for these modules involves shredding, burning, and sorting materials into glass, silicon, and metal components. Unfortunately, many of these materials are relegated to low-grade applications and cannot be effectively reintegrated into a circular economy.
The C2C-PV project, fueled by Brussels’ funding, seeks to revolutionize this approach. It aims to develop solar modules not for eternity but for a perpetual cycle of use and reuse. The project’s ambition goes beyond design; it aims to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing fully circularly recyclable modules.
Dr. Peters emphasizes the potential impact of success: “If the project is successful, it could help avoid more than 50 million tons of electronic waste. This could help develop renewable energy into sustainable energy.”
In response to this achievement, Prof. Christoph Brabec expresses his pride and commendation: “This is a great personal success and a confirmation of the scientist’s outstanding work. Ian Marius Peters can be deservedly proud of this personal ERC grant. It is a real award for his innovative and excellent research performance. The project ideally supports our research strategy and ensures that HI ERN remains at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We here at HI ERN are all very pleased with him.”
Dr. Peters’ accolade underscores FAU Solar’s commitment to groundbreaking research in renewable energy and sustainability. His dedication to developing sustainable solutions for solar module recycling aligns perfectly with our mission, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact his work will have on the future of renewable energy. Congratulations, Dr. Ian Marius Peters, on this well-deserved recognition and grant!
Further Information
Dr. Ian Marius Peters