WattsOK?

AI and Robotics for the Reuse of Used PV Modules

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic systems is a key factor in the energy transition, but it also presents new challenges. One such challenge is knowing how to deal with the millions of PV modules that will reach the end of their service life in the coming years.

Currently, disused modules are typically recycled without first checking whether they can be reused. Until now, there have been no automated processes in place to make objective decisions. 

This is precisely where the new research project comes in, asking the question, “Watts OK? - Can the module be reused, or should it be recycled?”
 

Can the module be reused, or should it be recycled?

Coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the research project addresses the growing volume of used PV modules and lays the technological foundation for their systematic reuse. The project focuses on reusing PV modules with the help of robotics and artificial intelligence

The aim is to develop an automated decision-making process that determines the optimal recycling route for used PV modules: reuse or recycling. 

Smart decision-making process 

At the heart of the project lies an intelligent, automated process that determines whether used PV modules can be reused or need to be recycled. This process includes:

• AI-supported optical inspection procedures to check surface quality
• precise electrical measurements to check functionality.

The process is complemented by the robot-assisted replacement of connectors, which is an initial refurbishment step that makes the modules usable again.
A central role in this process is played by a database that links inspection data, measured values and product specifications. Not only does this database serve as the basis for the AI algorithms, it also ensures transparency and traceability of decisions.
 

Success story: From a pilot project in EDIH AI5Production to a funded FFG project

The research project that has now been launched was preceded by a successful pilot project within the framework of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) AI5Production. As part of the ‘Test Before Invest’ initiative, initial innovative approaches to automated optical inspection of used PV modules were tested and validated in close cooperation between the AIT Centre for Vision, Automation & Control and the Lower Austrian green tech start-up 2nd Cycle FlexCo. 

This preliminary project served as a feasibility study and laid the technological foundation for the scalable solution that has now been launched. WattsOK? builds directly on these findings and exemplifies how a low-threshold entry into digitalisation via the EDIH can become a fully-fledged, funded research project.
 

More on this
Press release
News pilot projet
AI5Production

Project Facts

Project name

WattsOK? - Robotics and AI Enabled Reuse of PV

Duration

01.05.2025 - 30.04.2027

Project partners

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
2nd Cycle FlexCo
PROFACTOR GmbH
TÜV AUSTRIA HOLDING AG
Montanuniversität Leoben
METRAN Rohstoff-Aufbereitungsgesellschaft m.b.H.