Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about Solarge's circular solar panels. Find out all about our lightweight, PFAS-free and 100% recyclable solar panels - developed and manufactured in the Netherlands.
Circular Solar Energy
What makes Solarge solar panels circular?
Solarge solar panels are circular because they are made of high-quality fibre-reinforced polymers instead of glass and aluminium. As a result, the panels are fully recyclable and can be made into new solar panels at the end of their life. Thus, no waste is created. In addition, the solar panels are free of PFAS and heavy metals, so recycling remains possible without leaving any harmful substances behind.
Solarge also offers a take-back guarantee: at the end of their lifetime, the panels are taken back and fully processed into new products. The solar panels are the first in the sector to be Cradle to Cradle certified.
How much CO₂ is saved in the production of Solarge solar panels?
Solarge solar panels have a 50 to 80% smaller CO₂ footprint than traditional solar panels due to their unique material selection. Whereas traditional solar panels generate around 1,000 kg of CO₂ per kWp, Solarge's is around 390 kg of CO₂ per kWp.
Why is circular solar energy important for the future?
Circular solar energy is important because traditional solar panels generate a large amount of waste after use. Many standard solar panels contain PFAS and heavy metals, making them difficult or impossible to recycle. Often, only the aluminium frame is reused and the rest ends up as waste under asphalt. These substances can be harmful to soil, groundwater and health.
Solarge wants to prevent the energy transition from creating a new environmental problem. That is why the company develops solar panels that are fully recyclable into new panels, without PFAS or heavy metals. This way, materials remain usable and no end-of-life waste is created.
Are the solar panels fully recyclable?
Yes. Solarge's solar panels are 100% recyclable into new solar panels. They are made of high-quality fibre-reinforced polymers instead of glass and aluminium, making the materials fully reusable at the end of their useful life. Solarge also takes back the panels to fully process them into new products.
How is Solarge contributing to the energy transition?
Solarge is contributing to the energy transition by developing solar panels that not only generate renewable energy, but are themselves sustainably produced and recyclable. The solar panels are 100% circular, free of PFAS and heavy metals and have a 50 to 80% smaller carbon footprint than traditional panels. As a result, Solarge helps organisations meet their climate and sustainability goals without creating a new environmental problem.
In addition, Solarge produces the solar panels in the Netherlands, shortening transport distances and limiting additional carbon emissions. At end-of-life, the panels are taken back and processed into new solar panels, thus preserving materials in the chain.
What happens to traditional solar panels at the end of their life?
Many traditional solar panels are difficult to recycle because they contain PFAS and heavy metals, such as antimony. As a result, often only the aluminium frame is recycled. The rest of the solar panel is pulverised and used under asphalt or ends up as waste. This can eventually be harmful to humans and the environment, partly because harmful substances can end up in soil and groundwater.
Manufacturing and Technology
How are Solarge solar panels produced?
Solarge produces all solar panels at its own factory in Weert, the Netherlands. Production is done via a future-ready automated and scalable production line. Local production keeps the chain and materials transparent and controllable, while also limiting transport distance and CO2 emissions.
What are the technical specifications of Solarge solar panels?
Solarge's SOLO solar panels have an output of 515 to 530 Wp and an efficiency of up to 19.9%. A panel measures 2335 x 1159 mm and weighs only 5.5 to 6 kg per m². The solar panels are compatible with standard inverters and cables, have a 16-year product warranty and a 25-year power warranty.
Why does Solarge choose polymers over glass and aluminium?
Polymers make solar panels much lighter and fully recyclable. Traditional solar panels often contain glass containing PFAS and heavy metals, making recycling difficult or impossible. By using high-quality polymers, Solarge panels can be made into new solar panels at the end of their useful life.
What makes Solarge's production line unique?
Solarge's production line is fully focused on sustainable and circular production. The solar panels are produced in the Netherlands according to European standards and without PFAS or heavy metals. In addition, the production line is automated and scalable, making Solarge ready for further growth and upscaling.
How does manufacturing in the Netherlands contribute to sustainable solar panels?
Because Solarge produces the solar panels in Weert, the panels do not have to travel long distances from Asia. This significantly reduces CO2 emissions from transport. Local production also offers more control over materials, quality and compliance with European regulations on safety and sustainability.
What quality and safety tests do Solarge solar panels undergo?
Solarge's solar panels are extensively tested for hail, snow and wind loads. In addition, the panels comply with various international quality and safety standards, including IEC 61215, IEC 61730 and IEC 61701. Solarge is also Cradle to Cradle Certified® according to the latest certification requirements. This confirms that the solar panels meet stringent requirements for circularity, material health and sustainability. The panels are designed to last at least 25 years.
Installation and Application
Why are lightweight solar panels interesting for company roofs?
Many commercial roofs are not strong enough for traditional solar panels made of glass and aluminium. Solarge solar panels are about 50% lighter, often eliminating the need for expensive structural reinforcements.
Are Solarge solar panels compatible with standard inverters and cables?
Yes. Solarge's solar panels work with all standard inverters and cables. As a result, they can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Are modifications needed for Solarge solar panels?
In many cases, additional structural modifications are not necessary. Due to the light weight of the panels, they can often be installed directly on existing roofs.
Are Solarge solar panels suitable for renovation projects?
Yes. Due to their low weight, solar modules are very suitable for renovation projects and existing buildings whose roof structure has limited load capacity.
How do Solarge solar panels perform in wind, hail and snow?
The solar panels have been extensively tested for hail, snow and wind loads. Thanks to the strong fibre-reinforced polymers, the panels are unbreakable and resistant to severe weather conditions.
What types of organisations are Solarge solar panels suitable for?
Solarge solar panels are used by a variety of organisations, including hospitals, municipalities, insurers, colleges and other companies looking to become more sustainable with circular solar energy.
Warranty and maintenance
What guarantee does Solarge offer on its solar panels?
Solarge offers a 16-year product warranty on solar panels and a 25-year power warranty. This ensures long-term performance and quality.
How long do Solarge solar panels last?
Solarge's solar panels are designed for a lifetime of at least 25 years. Even after this period, the materials can be fully reused for new solar panels.
What does Solarge's take-back guarantee entail?
Solarge offers a take-back guarantee at the end of the solar panels' lifetime. The panels are taken back and fully recycled into new products or new solar panels.
Do Solarge solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
No. Solarge solar panels are designed for long-term and reliable use with limited maintenance. Thanks to the strong and durable materials, the panels continue to perform well in different weather conditions.
What happens to the solar panels at the end of their lifetime?
At the end of their useful life, the solar panels can be returned to Solarge. The materials are then fully processed into new raw materials for new solar panels. As a result, no waste is created.
How do Solarge solar panels maintain yield?
Solarge's solar cells are protected by multiple layers of adhesives and fibre-reinforced polymers. In addition, the white back of the panel helps keep the solar cells cooler, contributing to efficient power generation. The solar panels are also extensively tested for hail, snow and wind loads and designed for long-term performance with a 25-year power warranty.
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