Together with a Township Consortium
How to Set Up a Circular Supply Chain on the Ground?
Over 2.4 million residents in Khayelitsha, South Africa, face severe energy shortages, limiting opportunities. At the same time, millions of discarded photovoltaic (PV) panels globally present a circular economy opportunity. We explored how to repurpose this waste to address energy access challenges and create local jobs.
Tackling Two Crises at Once
The Circular Solar Service initiative emerged to turn PV panel waste into affordable energy solutions for Khayelitsha. Our project addressed the question: how can we tackle both the region’s energy shortage and the global issue of PV waste? By creating a local supply chain for recycling and installation, we aimed to empower communities and build sustainable employment.
From waste to opportunities
Our journey began by identifying the potential of discarded PV panels, with estimates suggesting 50% of them can be refurbished. Partnering with local and international stakeholders, we built a value chain that recycles and installs PV systems. This approach created both affordable energy access and job opportunities for local residents.
Breakthroughs along the way
Key breakthroughs included establishing a circular energy model that reduces waste and empowers the community. By combining refurbished panels with local skills training, we developed an affordable energy solution tailored to Khayelitsha’s needs, demonstrating the impact of circular innovation in real-world applications.
Scaling for the next level
Looking ahead, our goal is to scale the Circular Solar Service model to other underserved areas. We will continue optimizing the supply chain, expanding installations, and offering training programs to empower more communities with renewable energy while further reducing PV waste.
