Australian Company Achieves Milestone in Solar Panel Upcycling Mission
An Australian solar recycling company, Elecsome, has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards commercialisation by securing a patent grant for its innovative methods to dismantle end-of-life solar panels and extract new materials for various sectors.
Elecsome announced on LinkedIn that the patented intellectual property includes techniques for disassembling solar panels and producing glassfines from PV glass for applications in the construction industry.
Advancing Sustainable Practices
The company expressed its excitement over the patent grant, highlighting the importance of upcycling end-of-life solar panels and showcasing its dedication to research and development to drive innovation in the field.
Collaborative Initiatives and Future Plans
Last year, Elecsome successfully launched its first solar upcycling facility in Victoria in collaboration with the federal department of industry, The University of Melbourne, and RMIT. This facility aims to transform used solar panels into new products for construction and manufacturing industries.
Elecsome was selected as one of the participants in EnergyLab’s 2023 Climate Solutions Accelerator program, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental impact.
The company’s partnership with AGL Energy in June 2024 involves conducting a feasibility study for a facility at the site of AGL’s Liddell coal plant in New South Wales. This facility has the potential to upcycle a significant number of solar panels annually, contributing to the circular economy.
Innovative Products and Resource Recovery
Elecsome’s flagship product, SolarCrete, which utilises glass from recycled solar panels to create pre-mixed concrete, will be a key focus of the feasibility study at the Hunter site. The company plans to extract valuable materials such as silicon wafers, electric conductors, silver, copper, and aluminium for reuse in various industries.
Additionally, Elecsome has established a long-term services framework agreement with Enel Green Power Australia, further solidifying its position in the renewable energy sector.
Pioneering Resource Recovery
Neeraj Das, the managing director of Elecsome, views solar panel recycling as Australia’s next-generation mining opportunity, emphasising the importance of resource recovery and sustainable practices in the industry.
Renew Economy is currently seeking additional insights from Neeraj Das and Elecsome to further explore their innovative initiatives in the clean energy space.
