<h3>Job Description</h3>The energy transition is about providing energy to our society in a way that is responsible for today and tomorrow. Although renewable energy is much less carbon-intensive than fossil fuels, many renewable energy sources still deplete scarce resources, harm the environment and/or biodiversity, and are not socially sustainable (for example, due to the exploitation of the Uyghurs). To address these problems, the Rotterdam start-up Biosphere Solar is developing a fair, open-source, and circular solar panel that can be repaired, upgraded, and high-value recycled. Biosphere Solar's mission is to bring truly sustainable energy to both the market and industry, and that is why we are setting up a global community of innovators who want to lead the design of a new generation of solar panels. The reason solar panels are currently not circular is mainly due to lamination. This is an adhesive used to protect the solar cells from the elements, but it also makes it impossible to disassemble the solar panel at the end of its life. Biosphere Solar replaces this lamination with a gasket that seals the solar panel at the edge. This means that no EVA or other laminating materials are glued to the PV cells. The module is glass-glass with a double-edge seal of PIB and silicones, which prevents the ingress of moisture and oxygen. The internal atmosphere is inert, which is achieved using desiccants and oxygen absorbers. In addition to the possibility of remanufacturing, this design has other advantages such as a long lifespan, reduced aging, a low CO2 footprint, and a more efficient production process. Furthermore, Biosphere Solar prevents the use of toxic materials and works together with chain partners who actively combat exploitation.<h3>Job Requirements</h3><ul><li>Education Level: University</li><li>Sector: Solar PV</li><li>Work Experience: Minimum 2 years in a related sector</li><li>Language: Excellent oral and written English</li><li>Other Requirements:<ul><li>Knowledge of PV technology (e.g., panel construction, material behaviour under stress and aging, test methods)</li><li>Experience with industrial recycling processes of solar panels</li><li>Strong communication skills</li><li>High level of independence</li><li>Creative, entrepreneurial, Problem-solving</li><li>Affinity with: circularity, open-source, ethics, sustainability</li></ul></li></ul> <h3>Tasks &amp; Responsibilities:</h3><ul><li>Development and implementation of test procedures for new panel prototypes, including the use of advanced test equipment such as solar simulators, PID test benches, climate chambers, and mechanical load equipment.</li><li>Development of a disassembly and recycling process, whereby the PV panel is made reusable or circular with existing and new recycling techniques.</li><li>Project management within (inter)national consortia, with research institutes, recyclers, and technology companies.</li><li>Knowledge management and sharing within an open-source structure, including documentation, standardization, and guiding external contributors.</li><li>Applying for grants and funding, including European innovation programs (such as EIC, Climate KIC and Horizon Europe) with technical and strategic input.</li><li>Managing obtained grants and funding, including European innovation programs (such as EIC, Climate KIC and Horizon Europe).</li><li>Network development and stakeholder management, where it is necessary to strategically switch with both commercial and public partners.</li><li>Public communication and representation, such as presentations at conferences, participation in working groups, and open innovation initiatives.</li></ul>

The world is switching to solar, now the cheapest source of energy in many places around the world. But there is a problem. EVA (ethyl-vinyl-acetate) lamination is used as an adhesive layer which glues all precious components in a solar panel together. This makes solar panels very costly to recycle, and downright impossible to repair. We are showing that solar panels can be made without adhesive lamination, making it possible to take the solar panel apart. This not only avoids economic losses but also a looming environmental disaster. Wasting materials isn't just bad business, it denies future generations access to clean energy. On top of that, we stand for transparent labour conditions throughout the supply chain.

End-of-life Testing Engineer & Project Manager

About the Job

About the Company

Biosphere Solar B.V.

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