Copyright 2nd cycle
Research Project “WattsOK?”
The rapid expansion of photovoltaic systems is a key driver of the energy transition, but it also presents new challenges. One of them is determining how to handle the millions of PV modules that will reach the end of their service life in the coming years.
Currently, most decommissioned modules are recycled without first checking whether they can still be reused. Automated processes for making this decision have been lacking – until now.
This is exactly where the new research project “WattsOK?” comes in, asking the question: “Watts OK? Can the module be reused, or does it need to be recycled?”
With the official launch of “WattsOK?” – short for “Robotics and AI-enabled Reuse of PV Modules” – the project aims to develop an automated process that determines the optimal route for used PV modules: reuse or recycling.
Smarter Decision-Making Through AI and Robotics
Coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the project addresses the growing volume of used PV modules and lays the technological foundation for their systematic reuse. At its core is an intelligent, automated process that decides which modules can be reused and which must be recycled. Key components include:
- AI-supported optical inspection to assess surface quality
- Precise electrical measurements to test functionality
- Robotic replacement of connectors as the first step in refurbishment
A central database links inspection data, measurement results, and product specifications. This database not only powers the AI algorithms but also ensures transparency and traceability in the decision-making process.
Success story: From Pilot to Funded Project
“WattsOK?” builds on a successful pilot project conducted within the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH AI5Production) as part of the “Test Before Invest” initiative. The AIT Centre for Vision, Automation & Control worked closely with Lower Austrian green tech start-up 2nd Cycle FlexCo to test innovative approaches to automated optical inspection of used PV modules.
The pilot served as a feasibility study, providing the technological basis for the scalable solution now being developed in this FFG-funded project. “WattsOK?” demonstrates how an initial digitalisation step through the EDIH can evolve into a full-scale research project.
Project partners
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology – Coordination, high-performance surface inspection, AI decision-making processes, reuse strategies
2nd Cycle FlexCo – Multi-sensor reuse/recycling line
PROFACTOR GmbH – Robotics
TÜV AUSTRIA HOLDING AG – Scalable data structure, data fusion, AI decision-making processes
Montanuniversität Leoben, Lehrstuhl für Abfallverwertungstechnik und Abfallwirtschaft – Life cycle assessment
METRAN Rohstoff-Aufbereitungsgesellschaft m.b.H. – Recycling strategies
The ‘WattsOK?’ project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) as part of the national RTI call for proposals on circular economy and production technology. It is administered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). projekte.ffg.at/projekt/5134166
For more information please check
Press release
News pilot projet
AI5Production
