News

Claire Agraffeil holds a PhD in material science and process engineering dedicated to microelectronic applications. She has worked at CEA as a researcher and project manager for seven years. In 2017, she joined the Department of Solar Technology (CEA-INES) as a project designer and manager, focusing on photovoltaic sustainability, waste management and circularity development. Claire is involved in working groups such as the International Energy Agency – Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme Task12 and collaborates with ADEME (French Energy Agency) to develop and support solutions for PV sustainability.

Claire Agraffeil is also the project coordinator for PHOTORAMA, where she oversees the state of PV recycling in Europe.

Q1: Claire, the past 7 years have positioned you as a leading expert in the PV sector, particularly in the end-of-life management. How do you believe the SOLMATE project can contribute to and enhance your expertise in this field?

R: Photovoltaic waste management is an important topic and will become a logistic priority in the next decades. I am thrilled to be part of the Advisory Board of the SOLMATE project as I think we need to learn from each other’s experience. European projects are a solid ground for us to build a sustainable model for PV waste management. It will develop on emerging industries for second life and recycling, and we should share field experiences to progress faster and together. I believe I will learn more especially on technical solutions and business model for second life.

Q2: Both SOLMATE and PHOTORAMA underline the importance of sustainable management of PV panels and circular business models. How would you envisage potential collaborations between these two projects in the future?

R: PHOTORAMA has been designed to develop circular perspectives bringing field experiences and new business models integrating a life cycle approach. The topics addressed in SOLMATE are particularly relevant and complementary with PHOTORAMA since waste management includes methodology for decision-making and technical solutions for re-use. As part of the Advisory Board, I intend to foster and strengthen the collaboration in between the two projects, by sharing knowledge and insights and by being proactive in the Advisory Board activities.

Q3: Considering the trends and challenges for the next decades, which innovative approaches and developments do you believe are elemental for the photovoltaic industry to address the growing issue of waste management?

R: There is clearly a need of technological innovation for recycling PV panels fitting both business expectations and recycling industry trends, also depending on legal frameworks. We are at the very beginning, investments and R&D are key to build a robust system for PV waste management that can be duplicated. I would mention also that good practices in the field for decommissioning and collection are necessary. Harmonization of practices and standardization could strongly support and leverage progress for re-use and high-value recycling.