Results at a glance…
- Robots make light work of handling the heavy solar panels
- Automation system enhances worker safety and Improves recycling efficiencies with robots
Making the solar industry more sustainable
Solar Materials GmbH is a cleantech startup from Magdeburg, Germany, which is revolutionizing the way solar panels are recycled. Thanks to its pioneering recycling technology, raw materials can now be recovered from solar panels commercially and economically, making them truly sustainable. And sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s the foundation of everything Solar Materials does.
According to the IEA Renewables 2024 report1, solar PV generation increased by a record 320 TWh (up 25%) in 2023, reaching over 1 600 TWh, and is expected to grow considerably to become the largest renewable energy source by 2029. There are billions of solar panels installed worldwide, and with a growing demand for solar energy and panels comes an increasing requirement for raw materials.
Solar panels contain materials including glass, aluminium, silicon, silver, copper and plastics, all of which can be recycled, but typically aren’t because of prohibitive costs. Usually only the high-quality solar glass is recovered and is generally used as a foam glass or as a filler in construction materials.
Solar Materials is on a mission to change things. With an ambitious vision to recover 98 percent of raw materials from discarded panels, the company has set out to redefine circularity in the solar industry.
However, achieving this requires precision, efficiency, and automation, which has resulted in a partnership with ABB Robotics.
Creating a safer working environment and efficient process
While the company’s relationship with ABB began in May 2024, the collaboration had roots in an earlier experiment. Initially, Solar Materials tested a pre-owned ABB robot on its pilot recycling line. The results were impressive, with the robot’s flexibility, reliability, and ease of integration giving the team the confidence to scale up with five additional ABB robots.
Recycling solar panels is not an easy task. Each panel is heavy, weighing up to 20 kg, and can vary in size and condition, including some panels arriving with rainwater inside them. Manually handling the panels poses risks for workers, making automation a necessity. ABB robots take on the heavy lifting, from removing water to dismantling key components such as cables and junction boxes. This not only improves efficiency but also creates a safer environment for employees.
The integration of ABB’s robots has been seamless. They work alongside custom-designed workstations, transporting panels between processing steps, ensuring a smooth and automated workflow. Their adaptability is also crucial. Whether it’s adjusting to different panel sizes or performing specialized tasks across multiple stations, ABB robots keep operations running at peak performance.
The impact on Solar Materials’ business and processes has been significant. Employees have quickly adapted to the robots, appreciating their ease of operation and the reduced physical strain resulting from them taking on heavy and arduous tasks. The onboarding process for new hires has also improved, making automation an enabler rather than a barrier. And with ABB’s support team offering tailored solutions, any challenges that arise are swiftly addressed.
A bright future
Looking ahead, Solar Materials plans to expand its recycling capabilities, scaling operations both within Germany and beyond. As the demand for solar panel recycling grows, ABB’s robotic solutions will play a key role in meeting sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
"If you're looking for a reliable, flexible automation solution, ABB is the partner you can trust," says Bargel. "Their technology has been instrumental in making our vision of a circular solar industry a reality."
“ABB is proud to support pioneers like Solar Materials in transforming sustainability goals into reality,” adds Craig McDonnell. “Our robots are designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and circularity, making automated recycling both scalable and economically viable.”
1 https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – to outperform by becoming more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future, operating leaner and cleaner for a better future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics
