The photovoltaic industry, now a major energy source, is seeking to improve its environmental impact to remain competitive. In this context, the Horizon Europe RESILEX project aims to enhance the sustainability of the silicon value chain and design new, less impactful products.
CEA and CSEM have focused on the eco-design of photovoltaic panel assembly. The goal was to find a reliable alternative to glass, a major contributor to the carbon footprint of solar panels. The study led to the use of bio-based polymers combined with innovative encapsulation materials.
This approach allows for the development of heterojunction photovoltaic panels with exemplary power and reliability, while ensuring a reduced environmental impact and European component sourcing. The front and back faces are now fluorine-polymer-free and of European origin.
A notable advancement is the experimental validation of a bio-based BOM (bill-of-material), assembled in France. It achieves a 70% reduction in carbon footprint compared to a glass-based reference, by replacing the glass with a bio-based polymer and a partially bio-based encapsulant.
Aging tests are also promising: the module passed the humid heat standard twice (2000h) with less than 5% loss. This represents a 13% reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the photovoltaic panel, including the footprint of silicon and cells.
The RESILEX project, coordinated by ISMC, involves 21 partners from 8 European countries and will conclude in June 2026. It specifically aims to reduce the carbon footprint by 50%, decrease the use of Indium and Silver, and lower costs by 25% while maintaining high efficiency.
