PHOTORAMA Project

Website

www.photorama-project.eu

Services

In app support

Project Overview PHOTORAMA was an EU-funded innovation action dedicated to advancing the recycling of Photovoltaic (PV) panels and enhancing the recovery of valuable Raw Materials (RM). Operating through a consortium of 12 organizations from 2021 to 2025, the project aimed to tackle the end-of-life challenges of PV technology, which is considered a critical aspect of the solar energy value chain. By developing and demonstrating cutting-edge recycling solutions, PHOTORAMA significantly contributed to fostering a more circular, sustainable, and secure energy system within Europe.

Technological Innovations and Impact Central to PHOTORAMA's mission was the development of trailblazing technologies to establish a robust and reliable PV recycling scheme. The project successfully demonstrated innovative recycling solutions through a pilot line operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, showcasing real-life conditions for high-quality recovery of PV components. This involved demonstrating full circularity by re-injecting the reclaimed secondary rare materials back into cross-sectoral value chains. PHOTORAMA also focused on driving market adoption of its sustainable recycling technologies and strengthening waste management practices under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) framework.

Achievements and Contributions The project's accomplishments include the successful conclusion of its work in 2025, having made significant contributions to the sustainable management of end-of-life PV panels. PHOTORAMA explored unique and universal approaches to PV recycling, including methods using green solvents to recover valuable materials. Its efforts were recognized with the prestigious EUSEW24 Innovation Award, underscoring its impact on energy efficiency and renewable energy innovation. The PHOTORAMA initiative provided crucial insights and solutions for handling the diversity of solar panel compositions, ensuring a more sustainable future for the photovoltaic industry.