Solar Materials; UNEF, the Spanish PV Solar Association; and Solitek, were voted as the Gold, Silver, and Bronze 2024 European Solar Sustainability Award Winners.
Solar Materials, the Gold European Solar Sustainability Award Winner, have developed a new recycling technology that allows the recovery of all raw materials from solar panels, including 47% of silver. Their programme was presented by Dr. Jan-Philipp Mai.
Jan-Philipp Mai, Co-Founder & CEO Solar Materials said; "Recycling solar panels is a basic requirement to provide for sustaining clean energy, and we at Solar Materials are the crucial bridge that connects solar energy’s past to its sustainable future. Winning the Gold European Solar Sustainability Award is a reflection of our commitment to close the loop in the solar industry.”
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said; “We are proud to present Solar Materials with the Gold European Solar Sustainability Award. As solar drives the transition to a sustainable future, it's companies like Solar Materials that are leading the way, positioning Europe as a global beacon of solar sustainability and innovation.”
Maximise the positive impact of solar
SolarPower Europe’s European Solar Sustainability Award 2024 recognises top sustainability performers in the sector for their work to maximise the positive impact of solar on communities, the climate, and environment. The award aims to highlight and share sustainability best practices within the sector – and ultimately take solar forward as the sustainable energy leader.
The jury panel nominated three finalists for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze, European Solar Sustainability Award 2024.
During the Sustainable Solar Europe 2024 event, award finalists presented their work on sustainability to attendees, and a jury panel. Afterwards, attendees voted for their Gold, Silver, and Bronze Solar Sustainability Award Winners.
Also see: The smarter E AWARD 2025 – Applications can now be submitted
The jury panel featured: Beatriz Argueso Estirado, Environmental Engineer, at Iberdrola; Guido Agostinelli, Principal Risk Officer, Sustainable Supply Chains, at IFC (International Finance Corporation); Noor Yafai, Europe Director Global Policy and Institutional Partnerships, at The Nature Conservancy; and Michael Schmela, Director of Market Intelligence, at SolarPower Europe.
Also see: EU PVSEC 2025 – Showcasing the next generation of photovoltaics
Martín Behar Kölln, Director of Research, Regulatory, and Environmental Affairs, spoke on behalf of UNEF. Tadas Radavicius, Sustainability Manager at Solitek, presented the company’s sustainability initiatives.
UNEF second winner – Seal of Excellence in Sustainability
UNEF was the second finalist recognised by the Award panel. The company was praised for their Seal of Excellence in Sustainability. So far, 52 solar PV plants have received this seal in recognition of their efforts to create a positive long-term environmental impact, and their respect for biodiversity and local communities.
Solitek bronze winner – innovative PV noise barriers
Solitek, the Bronze Winner, was applauded for their innovative solar PV noise barriers installed on national highways and motorways, which have the potential to provide energy for over 40 million citizens, or almost the entire population of Poland! (hcn)
