Summary:
OnePlanet is developing a $90 million solar recycling facility in Florida.
The facility aims to process 2 million solar panels annually by 2027.
Utilizes a novel recycling process to recover up to 97% of metals.
Funding includes $7 million raised and a $14.5 million grant from the Department of Energy.
Strategically located to minimize transportation costs and optimize local material sourcing.
Innovating Solar Recycling
OnePlanet is at the forefront of solar recycling, employing a novel process to salvage copper, silicon, and aluminum from broken solar panels. The startup plans to launch its first full-scale plant by 2027.
Major Investment in Sustainability
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, OnePlanet has successfully raised $7 million to develop the River City project, a $90 million facility designed to recycle broken solar panels. This facility aims to create a new domestic source of metals at a time when tariffs are pushing up the cost of imports.
Facility Details
The River City project will be located in Green Cove Springs, just south of Jacksonville. It will undergo three phases of construction, with the first phase expected to be completed in 2027, allowing the facility to disassemble 2 million solar modules per year. By 2030, OnePlanet aims to triple its capacity to 6 million panels annually.
Unique Recycling Process
OnePlanet’s innovative recycling process utilizes existing technologies combined with a proprietary workflow to optimize material extraction. The process involves sorting panels by shape and model before they are crushed and chemically treated, enabling the recovery of up to 97% of metal concentrates from the panels.
Efficient Operations
CEO André Pujadas emphasizes the importance of pre-processing to reduce wear on machinery and improve efficiency. The company leverages artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to enhance recovery rates and maintain material purity.
Financing and Challenges
The recent funding will support engineering, environmental permits, and establishing recycling agreements. The project also benefits from a $14.5 million investment from the Department of Energy, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. OnePlanet is strategically located to mitigate transport costs, with access to local materials and infrastructure.
Economic Impact
As tariffs affect raw material prices, OnePlanet’s facility could provide a vital domestic source for aluminum, copper, and silicon, potentially stabilizing costs in the face of rising market pressures.
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