#USA #Clean Energy #Jacksonville #OnePlanet #Solar Recycling

OnePlanet's Innovative Leap in Solar Panel Recycling

Introduction
In a groundbreaking development, OnePlanet Solar Recycling, LLC has successfully completed a $7 million seed funding round aimed at the establishment of its first solar panel recycling facility in the United States. Set to be located in Green Cove Springs, Florida, the facility will contribute significantly to the renewable energy landscape by ensuring that end-of-life solar panels are effectively repurposed to reclaim valuable materials.

The River City Project
Dubbed the 'River City' Project, this facility represents a pioneering endeavor in solar panel recycling in North America. The project anticipates a robust capability to handle 2 million photovoltaic (PV) modules annually upon its commissioning in 2027, with an expansion target of 6 million modules by 2030. With the anticipated increase in solar panel decommissioning over the next decades, OnePlanet’s initiative serves as a timely solution to a growing environmental concern.

The funding round was spearheaded by Khasma Capital, a fund committed to supporting initiatives within the circular economy and emerging energy technologies. Their involvement underscores a significant shift towards recognizing that recycling solar panels is not merely an afterthought but a pivotal component of the clean energy initiative.

Achieving Sustainability Through Recycling
The River City Project has also been bolstered by a substantial $14.5 million Investment Tax Credit from the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant, part of the Inflation Reduction Act's Advanced Energy Project Program, focuses on supporting domestic manufacturing processes that recover essential materials like silicon, aluminum, and copper for reintegration into U.S. supply chains.

André Pujadas, CEO of OnePlanet, emphasizes the necessity of such infrastructure as the solar industry reaches a critical turning point.