After an initial phase that saw the implementation of eco-design criteria and a simulator for the French photovoltaic industry, the new cooperation builds upon these successes, developing them further, adapting them to new technologies, and ensuring that they are widely made accessible.
SOREN and CEA strengthen their partnership over the next 5 years
Published on 07/17/2025
The initiative by SOREN, the eco-organisation for the photovoltaic sector in France, is based on the observation that the deployment of solar energy must be coupled with a permanent reduction in its environmental impact, by incorporating eco-design criteria for products installed in the country.
The organisation has drawn up a prevention and eco-design plan for the photovoltaic industry, in application of the French Anti-waste for a Circular Economy Law, known as the AGEC Law of 10 February 2020.
The initiative, launched in 2022 with the support of the CEA, and involving the full range of players in the sector (manufacturers, integrators, developers and the certification body Certisolis) led to the definition of prevention and eco-design criteria in 2024. It has also led to the creation of a simulator, soon to be available online, to help stakeholders adopt eco-design principles through methods for analysing the recyclability of solar panels and improving recycling strategies.
Each producer must now define and implement a prevention and eco-design plan to reduce the use of resources, increase the use of recycled materials and make products more recyclable in recycling facilities located in France.
Continuously adapt to take account of new technologies on the market
In this new sequence of their partnership, SOREN and the CEA are preparing for changes of ecodesign criteria. The photovoltaic industry is known for a rapid and constant drive for innovation, with the development of new generations of photovoltaic cells and panels.
The new partnership takes full account of these challenges and will make it possible to :
- Develop SOREN's ECODESIGN platform by introducing new analysis methods
- Set up an eco-design roadmap in line with new technologies and usage.
- Evolve eco-modulation criteria in line with new technologies and regulations
- Disseminate this work through new prevention plans with industry players.
Soren is the government-approved eco-organization for the collection and processing of used photovoltaic panels in France.
More on SORENThis work is being carried out within the frame of INES.2S, of which CARBON is an associate partner.
