Who we are
Consortium
To achieve the objectives, QUASAR brings together a multidisciplinary consortium involving industrial players from the entire photovoltaic supply chain: photovoltaic module manufacturers, photovoltaic system operators, collectors, recyclers and end-users of secondary raw materials.
01
SINTEF
Norway
About SINTEF
SINTEF is a broadly based, multidisciplinary research foundation that possesses international top-level expertise in technology, medicine and the social sciences. Our aim is to become the most renowned contract research institution in Europe. SINTEF is an independent, non-commercial organisation. The contract research covers all scientific and technical areas, and ranges from fundamental research through applied research to commercialization of results into new products. The profits of our contract research projects are invested in new research, scientific equipment and competence development. SINTEF has a close collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim and the University of Oslo (UiO).
Within the QUASAR project, SINTEF Industry will be the project coordinator.
- Dr. Martin P. Bellmann
Senior Business Developer Dr. Martin P. Bellmann, who holds a PhD-degree in Metallurgy of Nonferrous Metals and High-Pure Materials, is the project coordinator. He has a long experience as a project manager and has led central activities in several national and international R&D projects. He has background in crystalline silicon technology and photovoltaics. He represents Norway in the European Network of Crystal Growth (ENCG), and he is author and co-author of more than 20 SCI papers.
02
Scatec
Norway
About Scatec
Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in high growth markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.2 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today.
We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’.
03
Scatec
South Africa
About Scatec Africa
Scatec entered the South African market in 2010. With 730 MW in operation Scatec a leading solar player in the country.
We develop new projects across Africa from our offices in Cape Town. This is also our engineering hub and our 24/7 operated global Control & Monitoring centre is located here. Within the QUASAR project, we will gather relevant information from our EOL solar modules for developing a comprehensive best practice guide in utility scale PV repowering.
03
2nd Life Solar
Germany
About 2nd Life Solar
At 2nd Life Solar, a brand of Buhck Re.Energy, we collect PV systems and solar modules, prepare them for reuse, recycle and dispose of them. As a certified waste management company and a company certified in accordance with ElektroG and KrWG (German law for European WEEE) for preparation for reuse, we are able to test used modules for reusability with our test laboratories. Thus, we reduce the total amount of PV modules to be disposed of and bring used modules into a second life cycle – e.g. as stand-alone system or balcony power plant.
We are committed to conserving resources through closed cycles and are proud to be a part of the solution.
04
Soren
France
About Soren
Soren is the Producer Responsibilty Organization (PRO) for the energy transition. Soren is state-approved for the collection and processing of used photovoltaic solar panels in France. To date, it has treated over 27 000 tons. Its expertise makes it a key player in the effective and sustainable coordination among all stakeholders in the photovoltaic sector in French territory: owners, market players, institutions, local authorities, actors, and operators in the circular economy, in a collective, solidarity-oriented, and community-driven approach. With a global approach combining technical, environmental, economic and social performances, Soren works every day to regenerate the raw materials needed for the energy transition and extend the lifespan of photovoltaic panels for an increasingly circular sector.
05
ROSI
France
About ROSI
ROSI is a company offering innovative solutions for recycling and revalorization of raw materials in the photovoltaic industry. Its technologies allow to recover high purity silicon and other metals currently lost during the production of photovoltaic cells and at the end-of-life of solar panels.
- Dr. Yun LUO
Holds an engineering degree from Ecole Polytechnique (FR), and a PhD degree from Max-Planck Institute (DE). Dr Luo has more than 10 years industrial experience in PV, including technology manager in Swiss PV equipment producer Meyer Burger Technology group where led the product developments of several key technologies along PV production value chain. She’s now ROSI CEO, and brings her experience to push toward rebuilding a strong PV chain in Europe.
- Dr. Guy CHICHIGNOUD
Holds an engineering degree since 2003, and a PhD degree in 2006, both from Grenoble INP France. Dr. Chichignoud joined the CNRS in 2007 as permanent researcher at the SIMaP laboratory. He’s now CTO of ROSI and corporate officer of ROSI ALPES. As an expert in the field of silicon metallurgy, Guy has extensive knowledge of relevant technology and equipment in the PV-Si industry (purification, crystallization). With more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and 12 invited talks in this domain, he supervised 6 PhDs (4 on Silicon purification, 2 on Silicon crystallization).
- Dr Yohan PARSA
Holds an engineering degree from Bordeaux INP France, and a PhD from Grenoble University France. He’s specialized in materials science, chemical and physical process. As ROSI R&D Director, he brings his experience in energy, medical, microelectronics and PV to develop process dedicated to PV waste recycling.
06
Renewables Norway
Norway
About Renewables Norway
Renewables Norway is a non-profit industry organization representing around 400 companies engaged in the production, distribution, and trading of renewable electricity in Norway. Our mission is to foster sustainable growth within the renewable energy sector by advocating for the interests of Norwegian renewable energy entrepreneurs at both national and international levels.
Within the EU QUASAR project, Renewables Norway is responsible for communication and dissemination, ensuring that project outcomes are effectively shared with stakeholders.
07
Equinor Energy
Norway
About Equinor Energy
Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future.
The purpose of the company is to turn natural resources into energy for people and progress for society. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Stavanger (Norway), Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf. We are present in around 30 countries worldwide.
08
LuxChemtech GmbH
Germany
About LuxChemtech GmbH
LuxChemtech develops and produces technologies and systems for recycling silicon scrap and other very special waste. High-tech waste requires high-tech recycling. We strive to follow the zero-waste idea wherever possible and aim for a true circular economy, which has already been achieved in several cases.
There is now a realistic risk that the energy transition will be slowed down by scarce resources. However, methods for processing high-tech materials are currently rarely practiced. But experience from the solar industry met expertise in the circular economy. LuxChemtech uses various fully and partially automated etching systems that are capable of chemically cleaning materials of different shapes and sizes. Hydrometallurgical methods are used in the laboratory and in production. LuxChemtech has the most modern systems for mechanical post-processing of silicon. The spectrum ranges from sawing with various technologies to blasting the silicon surface to shredding, grinding, sorting and sorting into different grain size classes. We want to expand on our recent results and also enter the PV recycling market for EOL.
09
ELKEM
Norway
About ELKEM
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future.
The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity.
Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities.
With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,300 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential.
10
SoliTek
Lithuania
About SoliTek
SoliTek is family family-owned company group in Lithuania. SoliTek produces PV modules & integrated solutions, such as Agri-PV, PV sound barriers, integration in rooftops, PV carports, etc. Additionally, SoliTek produces LFP batteries for the residential segment & in the near future, we will expand to commercial & industrial applications. The company is currently involved in over 10 research projects related to PV modules & battery technologies, sustainability & their applications.
- Tadas Radavičius
Is an R&D & sustainability manager at SoliTek who is a Ph.D. student with the topic of “circular processes management in EU PV circular supply chain”.
- Julius Denafas
Is an R&D director who holds PhD from Lithuania University KTU. Research background is in circularity of PV cells.
11
Hochschule Offenburg
Germany
About Hochschule Offenburg
The Photovoltaic Technology and Biochar (PVT) research group at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences develops new and innovative products and processes in the field of photovoltaics with a focus on encapsulation-free modules. The PV laboratory for module characterization (LIV and EL as well as a climate chamber for small laboratory modules, SEM, light and laser scanning microscopy), the Microelectronics Systems Design Lab and the EduFabLab are available for material and module characterization. Experience from the Work-Life Robotics Institute can also be used for the production-related development of PV modules. As part of the project, module technology will be further optimized in WP9 and sensor elements will be implemented. A new PV production plant for the semi-automated manufacture of industrial modules is to go into operation as part of the project. This will enable the group to better investigate the scalability of laboratory modules to industrial modules.
- Prof. Dr. Daniel Kray
Works in his research group on the topics of photovoltaics and biochar. He has been actively involved in photovoltaic research at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and in industry for over 20 years and has been a professor of renewable energies at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences since 2012. Since 2013, he has been developing a new focus on teaching and research into biochar as a negative emission technology.
- Christoph Pönisch
Has been working as a research assistant in the research group for renewable energy since 2018. From 2009 to 2013, he worked in industry as a developer of machines and processes in the prototype development of multibusbar modules. His focus is on process optimization, metallization and modelling of novel module concepts. As part of the project, he will write his dissertation on the topic of functional coatings in encapsulation-free modules.
12
Bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH
Germany
About Bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH
Bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH (bifa) is one of the leading application-orientated research, development and consulting organisations in Germany. We offer a wide range of services around environmental technologies. bifa was founded in 1991 and currently, 40 employees develop individual solutions for national and international customers from all industries, associations and public authorities. Since its founding, more than 700 projects have been processed. Our industry clients the range in numerous sectors, e. g.: PV module manufacturers, IT manufacturers, ICT operators, lamp manufacturers, waste management companies, chemical industry, metal processing companies, utility companies, vehicle manufacturers, manufacturers of carbon fibers, paper industry, sporting goods manufacturers. This broad base provides us with a variety of insights into the practice of these industries. In numerous research projects with funding from EU, federal and state funding, we have built up an efficient research network.
Within the QUASAR project, bifa will lead Work Packages (WP) 10, 11 and 12 addressing life cycle assessment, eco-efficiency analysis, analysis of economic viability, waste assessment, optimisation of circularity as well as the social acceptance via involvement of stakeholders.
13
EPRI Europe
About EPRI Europe
EPRI Europe is the European research arm of EPRI, founded in 2019 as a non-profit organisation to conduct objective and independent energy and environmental research, development and demonstration projects, for the benefit of the public. EPRI Europe aims to enhance the quality of life by making energy safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable. EPRI Europe participates in the European Union research framework programmes as well as other research projects with European governments, organisations, and stakeholders.
Within the QUASAR project, EPRI Europe will lead Work Packages (WP) 2 and 3, addressing challenges on Product Circularity, Waste Stream Information, End-Of-Life (EOL) Management, and Digitalisation. These efforts include estimating decommissioning and repowering costs; compiling decommissioning and repowering best practices; reviewing EOL service provider repair and refurbishment practices and developing data management solutions to support EOL processing. Additionally, EPRI Europe will develop training and educational resources for EOL service providers and for the interested public.
- Alberto Pico
Alberto Pico joined EPRI Europe in 2024 as a Technical Leader. Alberto is an Electrical Engineer with a master’s degree in Electrical Technology from Comillas Pontifical University, in Spain. He has been working in renewables since 2010, first in the Operation and Maintenance of renewable Wind and Solar plants, and later involved in the development and design of renewable projects, especially in Solar Utility-scale project worldwide.
14
US
About EPRI
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI’s trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy.
15
About Institut Photovoltaïque d'Ile-de-France
IPVF aims to accelerate the transition towards low carbon economy through initiatives of research, for sustainable and training of world rank.
They also aims to become one of the main global centres of research, innovation and training in the field of photovoltaic solar energy by bringing together research teams internationally recognised academics and industrial leaders in the photovoltaic sector.
The institute strives to improve the performance and competitiveness of photovoltaic cells and to develop new disruptive technologies.
DOW
About DOW
Dow is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries.
16
DOW Silicones
Belgium
About DOW Silicones
Dow Silicones produces different materials for various markets such as home and personal care, pressure sensitive applications, transportation, construction and infrastructure, including photovoltaics. The Dow site in Seneffe employs approximately 450 people active in manufacturing, R&D and commercial functions. The site continuously invests to maintain high productivity and competitiveness and has a strong commitment to sustainability.
With its silicone production, Dow Silicones Belgium is contributing to achieve the overall Dow ambition of becoming the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive, and sustainable materials science company in the world.
Within the QUASAR project, Dow Silicones is involved in Work Package 3 which deals with Reuse and repair of PV modules, in which we will contribute of back sheet repair solution and work with partners to optimize the repair procedure, and in Work Package 9, which works on design for recyclability (including evaluating whether silicone encapsulation makes recycling easier).
- Guy Beaucarne
Is an Application Development Fellow at Dow Performance Silicones. His work is related to materials development. The fields he works in are photovoltaics (solar cells and solar panels), and in materials development to improve energy performance and sustainability of buildings.
17
DOW Chemicals Iberica
Spain
About Chemicals Iberica
Dow has been present in Spain since 1960. Today, the Company has around 710 employees in Madrid, Tarragona, Tudela (Navarra) and Ribaforada (Navarra), serving customers in the development of low- and high-density polyethylene resins, in the research and development of technologies for plastic films or in the commissioning of polyurethane systems, among other technologies and applications.
Within the QUASAR project, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics will mainly work in Work Package 8, where Dow will study the feasibility of reusing the recovered organic materials from the recycling processes in Dow’s products and processes, and in Work Package 9 to help shape eco-design guidelines for encapsulation to increase material recovery and purity from recycling processes.
- Caroline Grand
Is a Scientist in Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, based in Tarragona. She is responsible for new product and application developments in the Infrastructure space (photovoltaics, building panels, roofing membranes and flooring) for Europe, Middle East and Africa, with emphasis on ethylene-based elastomer, plastomer and copolymer products.
18
Norner Research
Norway
About Norner Research
Norner Research AS is a leading industrial polymer R&D center with over 40 years of expertise in the polymer and plastics industry. Our vision is to be the market leader in industrial R&D services, developing innovative and sustainable polymer solutions in close collaboration with major industry players. We operate state-of-the-art laboratories, polymerization units, and a processing pilot center designed for industrial-scale operations.
Our capabilities cover the entire value chain, from raw materials and product development to advanced recycling technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Norner focuses on promoting polymer circularity across various sectors, including packaging, aquaculture, renewable energy, and beyond.
Dr. Katrin Nord-Varhaug holds a PhD-degree from Physics and Mathematics in 1994 from NTNU in Trondheim. She has been working as a project manager in polymer related projects in Norner since 2012 and has also been working in the PV industry with wafering of silicon.