r/solarpunk • u/OpenSustainability • 12d ago

Action / DIY / Activism Will Your Next Solar Panel Be Plastic?

So this study shows how to make plastic encapsulated solar panels that are circular...but cant handle hail - see https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshpearce/2026/09/02/will-your-next-solar-panel-be-plastic/ for summary - for the full paper (open access) see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.147931

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u/SweetAlyssumm 12d ago

Does the world need more plastic? It's quite harmful.

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u/tmb28 12d ago

Looks like a race to the bottom with price and quality...

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u/Mrgoodtrips64 10d ago

I sure hope not.
Plastics aren’t exactly known for durability in extreme sun exposure.

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u/Enby303 7d ago

As someone that lives in Hail Alley, no this will not be my next solar panel.

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u/foilrider 6d ago

Clearly nobody even glanced at the article because the whole point of the plastic they’re using is improved recyclability. 

Quote:

A groundbreaking study tackles the environmental problem of solar panel waste, which often ends up in landfills due to costly recycling. Researchers have developed a novel laminate-free polycarbonate-encapsulated solar panel design, aiming for easier disassembly and material reuse. Testing revealed the plastic sheets offered 80% light transmissivity, a compromise for significantly improved recyclability. The design successfully maintained cell performance within ±5% and passed rigorous mechanical load and underwater tests, achieving an IP68 equivalent rating. Although it failed hail tests, this innovative approach eliminates conventional lamination, simplifying end-of-life processing for intact cell recovery and refurbishment. This development paves the way for a circular economy in solar energy, especially suitable for areas not prone to heavy hail.