Design Engineering PhD Scholarship 7

Upcycling End-of-Life Photovoltaics through design innovation

Abstract
The rapid growth of solar energy has led to a looming waste management crisis, with global solar PV waste projected to reach 80 million metric tons by 2050. This issue is particularly acute in India, where harsh conditions accelerate panel degradation, with an estimated 600,000 tons of decommissioned panels expected by 2030. The UK faces similar challenges, anticipating 30,000 tonnes of solar waste in the next decade. This research will investigate the integration of End-of-Life (EoL) PV panels into architectural applications, utilizing their residual energy, reducing transport costs, preventing landfill disposal, and creating local employment opportunities while promoting resource circularity and carbon reduction.

How to Apply 
Please contact Dr Elena Dieckmann if you are interested in applying for this project. 

For more information on submitting a PhD application, please consult our application pages here. When you submit your application, please cite this project title in the 'how you are planning to fund your PhD' section.