#United States #Jacksonville #Prism #OnePlanet #Solar Recycling

OnePlanet Unveils PRISM™: A Game-Changer in Solar Panel Recycling

In a remarkable development for the recycling industry, OnePlanet has launched PRISM™—a fully automated process designed to recycle silicon and silver from end-of-life solar panels. This innovative technology promises to recover silicon streams exceeding 95% purity, along with approximately 1% silver, marking a significant advancement in sustainable practices for the solar sector.

The PRISM™ Process

PRISM, which stands for "Photovoltaic Recycling through Integrated Systems and Mechanics," represents a comprehensive redesign of the recycling line at OnePlanet's commercial facility in Green Cove Springs, Florida. With over two years of prior experience in processing crystalline-silicon modules, this next-generation method has undergone extensive engineering testing.

The process is notable for its complete mechanical operation—there are no thermal or chemical separation steps involved. This approach not only enhances the recovery rates but also minimizes environmental impact, a vital component in today’s climate-conscious market. Testing demonstrated that PRISM could extract 99.5% of glass from solar modules, achieving a purity level of 99%. This remarkable efficiency allows OnePlanet to recover clean glass, which can be sold, while concentrating silvery cell materials instead of diluting them.

Proven Efficacy

PRISM's rigorous testing has proven effective on both monofacial and bifacial solar modules, regardless of their condition—a crucial feature in terms of logistics and material recovery. The final output comprises a silicon stream, boasting over 95% purity alongside a copper granulate with 99% purity, and aluminum at 99.9% purity rating. These results have been verified by independent third-party laboratories, ensuring the credibility of OnePlanet's claims.

CEO André Pujadas highlighted the significance of recovering one percent silver, stating, “This is not just a trace element; it’s a substantial grade that is richer than most mined ores.” This adds another dimension to the potential of OnePlanet's operation, as both the recycled silicon and silver can be utilized in various industries—creating a valuable feedstock for ongoing refining processes.

Future Goals

OnePlanet aims to establish an industrial-scale facility dubbed 'River City' with the help of a $14.5 million investment tax credit under the federal Qualifying Advanced Energy Project program. Production at this facility is expected to commence in 2027, with future plans focused on developing a metallurgical-grade silicon (MGS) refining process aimed at further recovering silver. This goal aligns seamlessly with the company's mission to contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional silicon mining practices.

Background of OnePlanet

Founded in 2023, OnePlanet is positioned as an advanced materials recovery company focused on promoting large-scale recycling solutions for unwanted solar panels. With its headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, the company is dedicated to keeping millions of end-of-life panels from ending up in landfills, effectively supporting a sustainable and circular economy.

OnePlanet's practices adhere to the highest industry standards, being certified under R2v3 Appendix G— the premier certification for responsible recycling of solar panels. As the demand for domestic sourcing of critical materials such as silicon and silver continues to rise, OnePlanet stands at the forefront of a revolution in solar panel recycling, poised to make significant contributions to both environmental sustainability and the circular economy.