Summary
As part of the National Growth Fund programme SolarNL, TPAC is supporting Dutch solar companies with its expertise in lightweight materials to accelerate the energy transition. The project focuses on developing circular, integrated high-efficiency solar panels and building a robust innovation ecosystem in the Netherlands. TPAC plays a pivotal role by combining research and education in living labs, where new thermoplastic composite materials and processes are developed for lightweight carriers and products with integrated PV technology.
Alongside technological innovation, TPAC places a strong emphasis on investing in human capital. As part of Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the SolarNL project enables us to launch the new minor programme Sustainable Advanced Materials, where students learn to:
- Apply lightweight materials for sustainable solutions, such as solar panels.
- Improve the sustainability of these materials by exploring recycling methods for advanced composites and developing new composite materials based on renewable sources.
These courses will also be adapted into short-form courses for industry professionals, ensuring that both students and businesses acquire the knowledge and skills needed to innovate within the Dutch PV sector. This approach aims to counter the influx of cheap imported solar panels by creating smarter, integrated PV solutions in, for instance, lightweight products. Through this effort, TPAC contributes to a sustainable future and strengthens the Netherlands’ position in solar energy.
Project partners
For a full overview of the consortium partners, visit www.solarnl.eu
Duration
4 years, start in 2024
Funding
Financed by the National Growth Fund Program for Solar PV.
For more information about this project, please click here.
