SolarPie

By the 2050s, photovoltaic (PV) waste levels could reach up to 60 million tons worldwide—and this figure may still be an underestimation. As solar energy adoption grows rapidly, the issue of what happens to solar panels at the end of their lifespan becomes increasingly urgent. A conventional solar panel is typically composed of several tightly bonded layers: solar cells, metals such as silver or copper, an anti-reflective coating applied on top of the solar cell, glass, and a surrounding frame. While these materials are individually recyclable, the way they are permanently glued together makes separation extremely difficult, if not impossible. As a result, recycling processes are complex, inefficient, and often economically unviable. But what if a solar panel were designed from the beginning with disassembly and reuse in mind? SolarPie proposes an alternative approach. It is a round solar panel inspired by the original shape of silicon wafers used to create solar cells. Instead of using adhesives, the layers of the SolarPie are pressed together. This design choice allows the panel to be easily taken apart after its operational lifespan of approximately 25–30 years. Once disassembled, each component can follow a clear and sustainable end-of-life path: the glass layer can be placed directly into a glass recycling stream, while valuable components such as the solar cell itself can be returned to the factory for reuse or refurbishment.

The SolarPie is designed to be hung at a fixed angle of 30 degrees, optimizing solar exposure while allowing rainwater and debris to naturally slide off the surface. A built-in handle makes the panel easier and safer to hold during installation, reducing effort and installation time. The attachment system that connects the panel to a mounting structure is flexible, allowing it to adapt to different sizes and configurations. This makes the system modular, enabling panels to be replaced, upgraded, or expanded individually rather than as a whole unit. Sustainability is a core principle of the SolarPie. The panel is designed using recyclable materials wherever possible, and its modular construction reduces waste by extending the usable life of individual components. In addition, the surface texture of the panel is subtly wavy. This texture serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics: it discourages pigeons and other birds from landing or nesting on the panel, helping maintain efficiency and reducing maintenance without the need for harmful deterrents. Overall, the SolarPie rethinks the solar panel not just as an energy-producing object, but as part of a circular system—one that prioritizes longevity, adaptability, recyclability, and environmental responsibility from installation to end of life.