Strategic partnership introduces lightweight, fully recyclable solar panels addressing critical gaps in commercial and industrial applications.
Greenleaf Advisors is partnering with Solarge, a Netherlands-based solar module manufacturer, to introduce circular, sustainable solar panels to the United States market. The collaboration addresses longstanding challenges in the solar industry while dramatically reducing lifecycle environmental impact.
Solarge’s patented polymer-based solar technology represents a fundamental shift in photovoltaic design, targeting market segments previously underserved by conventional glass-based panels. The innovative modules weigh 50% less than traditional panels—just 1.12 pounds per square foot—enabling solar installations on structures unable to support conventional panel weight.
This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing transformative clean energy solutions to market.
Addressing Critical Industry Challenges
Roof structural capacity poses a challenge for solar installation on existing roofs, which must be evaluated to ensure they can support the additional weight of solar panels and mounting equipment. Conventional solar panels typically add 3-4 pounds per square foot including mounting equipment, which can require costly structural modifications in some cases.
Additionally, the industry confronts a looming waste crisis. By 2030, the United States is expected to have as much as one million total tons of solar panel waste, and by 2050, the country is expected to have as many as an estimated 10 million total tons of end-of-life panels (EPA).
Solarge panels are manufactured using SABIC Trucircle™ biobased and post-consumer recycled polymers, replacing glass and traditional encapsulants with materials that can be fully separated and reused at end-of-life. The patented design allows solar cells and polymer layers to be separated through a simple heating process, creating a closed-loop manufacturing cycle.
Technical Innovation and Sustainability
Key technological advantages include:
- Lightweight: 50% weight reduction enables installation on previously unsuitable rooftops
- Fully recyclable because of unique and exclusive use of Sabic TrucircleTM polymer solutions
- Durability: Unbreakable construction resistant to hail damage, transportation impacts, and harsh conditions
- Low Carbon footprint (up to 80% lower than conventional panels)
- No Toxic Materials such as antimony (present in glass panels) or PFAS (present in most lightweight panels)
- Marine applications: Suitable for saltwater environments and floating solar installations
The panels maintain industry-standard electrical performance with 16-year product warranties and 25-year power warranties, while remaining compatible with all standard racking systems.
Target applications include warehouse and distribution facilities, manufacturing plants, data centers, and commercial buildings with structural limitations. The technology also addresses growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment with verifiable sustainability credentials.
Proven European Track Record
Solarge has demonstrated commercial viability through major European installations, including a 4,700-panel deployment at ENGIE’s facility in Genk, Belgium—currently the world’s largest circular solar project. The facility generates 2.35 MW while maintaining total installation weight below 6.5 kg per square meter.
Since commencing high-volume production in June 2023 at its Weert, Netherlands facility, Solarge has delivered projects across Europe. The company is planning US manufacturing expansion to serve the growing North American market.
About Solarge
Founded in 2018, Solarge (www.solarge.com) is a Dutch solar module manufacturer pioneering polymer-based photovoltaic technology. The company’s IEC-certified modules combine lightweight construction with full material circularity, addressing critical sustainability and performance gaps in conventional solar panels. Solarge operates a high-volume production facility in Weert, Netherlands, and is expanding to serve North American markets.
About Greenleaf Advisors
Greenleaf Advisors (www.greenleafadvisors.net) provides strategic advisory services for clean energy market entry, business development, and commercial partnerships. Based in Chicago, the firm specializes in connecting innovative energy technologies with US market opportunities while supporting sustainable infrastructure deployment.
Media Contact:
Katie DeMuro, Greenleaf Advisors
www.greenleafadvisors.net
Editor’s Note: For technical specifications, case studies, or partnership inquiries, contact Greenleaf Advisors directly.