DOWA Eco-System Co. Ltd (DES) has begun a demonstration project in Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture to generate electricity using reused photovoltaic (PV) modules. The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive business model covering everything from the removal of used panels to their reuse and recycling.
DES’s subsidiary GEOTECHNOS is leading the removal, collection, and transportation of end-of-life PV modules from various sites. The work focuses on ensuring safety, efficiency, and traceability throughout the process, reflecting Japan’s growing emphasis on circular economy principles in renewable energy infrastructure.
A newly formed venture, Soso Smart Eco-Company – established with investment from eight companies including DES – has been tasked with evaluating the performance and reliability of the collected modules. Its engineers inspect and test the reused panels to assess their potential for further use in new power generation applications, supporting efforts to extend the lifespan of solar materials and reduce environmental waste.
The demonstration will gather operational data from the Fukushima installation to assess both the technical viability and the economic potential of repurposed PV modules. DES intends to apply the findings toward creating a one-stop service platform that connects removal, reuse, and recycling into a transparent and sustainable supply chain.
By turning decommissioned solar panels into productive assets, DES hopes to strengthen Japan’s renewable energy resource efficiency and set a precedent for the large-scale reuse of PV modules across Asia.
