Pitches in Paris
Pitches and Panels in Paris — A Startup Journey Through France’s Green Future
The Eiffel Tower in the early summer dusk set the scene on the first evening of SOLAR MATERIALS‘ market exploration to Paris, as the first get together took place on a boat on the Seine. The boat is part of a social initiative offering former inmates a second shot at life through jobs and training in gastronomy. For the startups of the market exploration by AHK Frankreich / Deutsch-Französische Industrie- und Handelskammer , it was the beginning of an intense week into the heart of the French innovation scene.
After a cultural crash course: how to decode French business etiquette, why small talk matters, and how long a proper lunch break reallytakes in Paris. These aren’t minor details—they’re survival tools for startups trying to win French investors and partners.
While enjoying canapés and networking with Eiffel Tower views, conversations on the boat shifted from intros to the urgent question: What happens to France’s aging solar panels?
End of Life, Start of Innovation
France is scaling up its solar ambitions. By 2050, the country wants to boost its solar capacity fivefold, according to government plans. But there’s a catch: tens of thousands of panels installed a decade ago are now nearing their end of life. The question of recycling occurs. But scaling in France means understanding the regulatory jungle of e-waste laws. France’s policy is ambitious: by law, producers must finance the recycling of solar panels. But infrastructure is lagging. That’s where SOLAR MATERIALS comes in—with tech, timing, and now, a taste of French flair.
Station F: Europe’s Startup Supernova
On Day Two, we descended into Station F. Housed in a former railway depot, Station F is the largest startup campus in the world. With over 1,000 startups under one roof, it feels more like a tech cathedral than a co-working space. Every hallway is buzzing with founders and art. Here, the French startup ecosystem pulses with energy and ambition. From deep tech to green tech, France is betting big on innovation.
Elevator Pitch, Paris-Style
No startup tour would be complete without a visit to the top, or in our case the rooftop at Bpifrance for pitches. Bpifrance is the public investment arm of the French government. So of course Solar Materials took the chance to pitch in front of French investors and Sacre Coer.
Viva La Tech!
From Thursday to Saturday, we dove into VivaTech, Europe’s answer to CES and SXSW. This year, the 2025 edition was all about AI for climate, circular economy, and green mobility. With over 150,000 visitors in years past, VivaTech has become the place to be for visionaries and venture capitalists. So we were more than happy for our booth at the French German Tech lab by de:hub Initiative .
SOLAR MATERIALS als proudly showed of the new pink VivaTech “Most Promising Startup” trophy—but the real test came at the German-French Pitch Battle. Despite their compelling case for solar circularity, the crown went to OPTIPUS PV . Maybe we were still too excited from that Viva V win.
Takeaway: Tech alone won’t save the planet. Collaboration might.
From Seine-side social projects to the rooftop of France’s biggest startup bank, the trip was a reminder: innovation isn’t just about tech. It’s about people, policies, and the unexpected power of a well-timed canapé.
E-waste 2025
Unlocking Value from the Waste of Tomorrow
At this year’s E-Waste World Conference & Expo in Frankfurt, experts, innovators, and industry leaders gathered to discuss one of the fastest-growing waste streams on the planet: electronic waste. OF course SOLAR MATERIALS and Circular Silicon joined the conversation.
When Solar Power Turns to Scrap
Few realize that solar panels, once symbols of clean energy, are becoming part of the e-waste problem. After about 25–30 years of use, panels reach the end of their lifecycle. What remains is a layered structure of glass, plastic, silicon, and silver—too valuable to discard, too complex to recycle without the right technology.
Reclaiming What Should Never Be Lost
E-waste is more than just discarded electronics. It is a reservoir of rare and critical materials. In solar cells, elements like silicon and silver play vital roles. Each cell contains just a fraction, but on a global scale, the total is immense. Without dedicated recycling solutions, these non-renewable materials are lost forever. That is why SOLAR MATERIALS and Circular Silicon have taken on this challenge—and rethought recycling from the ground up. By developing new processes that go beyond conventional methods, we have made it possible to recover silicon and silver from end-of-life solar panels. It’s a shift that doesn’t just manage the waste—it turns it into a resource. And it’s what finally makes the solar industry truly green.
Closing the Loop, One Cell at a Time
Recycling is not a side act of the green transition—it is a main stage. Effective e-waste recycling feeds the circular economy. It transforms discarded tech into new resources, reduces dependency on raw mining, and keeps valuable materials in use.
Conversations That Shape the Future
At our joint booth, SOLAR MATERIALS and Circular Silicon met with industry peers, researchers, and policymakers. Discussions circled around real solutions and scalable technology. The tone was clear: circularity is not optional—it is essential.
Looking Ahead
The E-Waste World Conference & Expo was not just a trade fair. It was a pulse check on where we stand—and where we need to go. We are proud to be part of the shift toward smarter recycling and a truly circular industries.
SOLAR MATERIALS at Intersolar 2024
SOLAR MATERIALS Triumphs at SXSW 2025 – A Game-Changer for Cleantech
SOLAR MATERIALS Triumphs at SXSW 2025 – A Game-Changer for Cleantech
Turning Waste into Opportunity
A Booming Cleantech Scene
Germany has long been a leader in green technology, and its startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving to tackle urgent climate challenges. From energy storage and hydrogen solutions to circular economy innovations like SOLAR MATERIALS, the country’s cleantech sector is buzzing with potential. But local success is not enough. To make a real impact, startups must think globally and present their ideas on international stages like SXSW.
Texas: The New Solar Hotspot
Big Projects, Big Impact
The Time is Now
About SOLAR MATERIALS
With the aim to close the raw material cycle in the solar industry, SOLAR MATERIALS developed its own patented recycling technology for solar modules, which recovers all raw materials from end-of-life solar modules, including silver and silicon economically.
Solar Materials Recognized as Top 1% Scale-Up at Founders Games 2024
Solar Materials Recognized as Top 1% Scale-Up at Founders Games 2024
We are excited to share that Solar Materials has been recognized as a Top 1% Scale-Up at the Founders Games 2024 by the WEBIT Foundation. This incredible honor highlights our efforts to revolutionize the solar industry and underscores the global potential of our mission to create a circular economy for solar energy.
About the Founders Games by WEBIT Foundation
The Founders Games is one of the world’s most prestigious start-up and scale-up challenges, bringing together visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the globe. With over 3,000 companies competing, being ranked in the top 1% is an exceptional achievement and a testament to the innovation and impact driving Solar Materials forward.
As one of the elite few to receive this recognition, we are proud to stand among trailblazers who are shaping the future across industries.
What Being a Top 1% Scale-Up Means to Us
This recognition as a Top 1% Scale-Up fuels our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in solar recycling and sustainability. It inspires us to:
- Continue innovating and improving our technologies.
- Scale our solutions to reach more markets worldwide.
- Advocate for sustainability and circular economy practices in the renewable energy sector.
The Power of Collaboration
The Founders Games provided an unparalleled platform for connecting with world-class mentors, investors, and industry leaders. Presenting our vision to such a distinguished audience not only brought valuable insights but also opened doors to new partnerships that will help us scale our impact even further.
Competing alongside some of the world’s brightest minds reminded us of the collective potential we hold to address global challenges. This achievement isn’t just about Solar Materials—it’s about the growing momentum toward a sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re already focused on what’s next. Our journey is far from over, and the road ahead is filled with opportunities to make solar energy even greener and more sustainable.
We want to thank the WEBIT Foundation and the Founders Games for this incredible honor and for creating a platform where visionary ideas can thrive. To our team, partners, and supporters—this achievement is yours as much as it is ours.
Together, we’re proving that sustainability and innovation are the keys to a brighter, greener future. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to lead the charge for a truly circular solar industry!
SOLAR MATERIALS
About SOLAR MATERIALS
With the aim to close the raw material cycle in the solar industry, SOLAR MATERIALS developed its own patented recycling technology for solar modules, which recovers all raw materials from end-of-life solar modules, including silver and silicon economically.
Join the Revolution: Your job at Solar Materials
Join the Revolution: Jobs at SOLAR MATERIALS
Looking for a new job? At Solar Materials, we’re not just recycling solar panels – we’re pioneering a circular economy in the solar industry. Our mission? To transform solar energy into a truly green and sustainable power source. But to achieve that, we need visionaries, problem-solvers, and hands-on thinkers like you to join our growing team and discover the next job of your dreams.
A Workplace that shines
Working at Solar Materials is more than just a job – it’s a collaborative journey toward a brighter, greener future. Our flat hierarchies foster open communication, innovation, and inclusivity. Here, everyone’s voice matters, and we celebrate diversity as a driving force behind our success. Whether brainstorming solutions in a team meeting or rolling up your sleeves to tackle challenges on the ground, you’ll find that our “hands-on” mentality creates a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.
Why Join us?
workplace where ideas are valued, growth is encouraged, and sustainability is the goal. Here’s what you can expect at the job:
- Professional Growth: Access to ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- State-of-the-Art Tools: Modern equipment and software to support your success.
- A Vibrant Team: Work with motivated colleagues who share your passion for making a difference.
- Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven company that’s changing the world.
Ready for your new job?
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and thrive in an innovative start-up environment, we’d love to hear from you. Check out our [Careers Page] for more details on each role and instructions on how to apply. You find all the job descriptions here:
Together, let’s create a solar industry that’s not just renewable – but truly sustainable.
The roles we're hiring for:
We’re expanding and are looking for passionate individuals to fill a variety of jobs. Here’s a glimpse of the opportunities waiting for you:
HR Manager (m/f/d)
Shape the future of Solar Materials by attracting and retaining top talent. From managing onboarding processes to developing employee programs, you’ll play a pivotal role in building our team.
Key Qualifications:
- Experience in HR administration and recruiting.
- Familiarity with HR tools like Personio and a solid grasp of labor laws.
- Exceptional organizational skills and a passion for working with people.
Full Stack Software Engineer (m/f/d)
In this dynamic role, you’ll design and implement cutting-edge software architectures, ensuring quality through code reviews and innovative solutions. With your expertise in modern frameworks, cloud technologies, and database systems, you’ll be the go-to technical guru for our team.
Key Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Node.js, Typescript, and frontend frameworks like Vue.js or React.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and Docker.
- A knack for innovative problem-solving and a passion for new software technologies.
Automation Technician (m/f/d)
Be at the heart of our recycling operations! Develop and implement automation concepts, maintain cutting-edge machinery, and ensure our systems operate at peak efficiency. Your technical skills will directly impact the success of our mission.
Key Qualifications:
- Expertise in TIA Portal, PLC programming, and pneumatics.
- A background in mechatronics, electronics, or a related field.
- A hands-on attitude and a proactive approach to troubleshooting.
Machine and Equipment Operator (m/f/d)
Operate, monitor, and maintain our recycling machinery, ensuring smooth processes and top-notch results. This role is ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on environment.
Key Qualifications:
- Background in machine operation or logistics.
- A commitment to teamwork and efficiency.
Cleaning Specialist (m/f/d)
Keep our offices and communal spaces shining! Your attention to detail and dedication to hygiene ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.
- A passion for cleanliness and a proactive attitude.
- Flexibility and a team-oriented mindset.
SOLAR MATERIALS Begins a New Chapter in Sustainability
SOLAR MATERIALS Begins a New Chapter in Sustainability
A Major Step Toward Sustainability in the Solar Industry
SOLAR MATERIALS is breaking ground on its first industrial-scale recycling plant for solar panels in Magdeburg, Germany. Using a unique, patented process, this facility will make it possible to recycle solar panels on a large scale, reclaiming valuable materials like silicon, silver, and glass to reduce waste in the renewable energy sector.
From Vision to Reality
In 2021, founders Fridolin Franke, Jan Bargel, and Jan-Philipp Mai met at Technische Universität Braunschweig, united by a vision: to make the solar industry more sustainable. After extensive research and testing, they developed a process for extracting reusable materials from solar panels. This led to the founding of SOLAR MATERIALS, where the team began by manually disassembling panels
Rapid Growth and Innovation
By 2023, SOLAR MATERIALS had launched its first fully automated pilot line, gaining certification as a recycling company in Germany with the capacity to process up to 3,000 tons of solar panels annually. Their low-cost, high-quality recycling process quickly established us as a market leader.
Expanding Capacity for a Sustainable Future
To meet growing demand, SOLAR MATERIALS is now constructing a facility capable of recycling up to 10,000 tons of panels per year. This expansion solidifies our role as pioneers in solar panel recycling, marking a significant step toward a circular solar economy.
Stay tuned as SOLAR MATERIALS leads the way in sustainable energy, turning solar panel waste into a valuable resource for a greener future.
Business
On November 23rd 2022 SOLAR MATERIALS had the opportunity to participate in the Solarplaza Sustainability & Circularity Summit and exchange ideas with many industry representatives about sustainability in the solar sector. In addition, Fridolin participated in a panel discussion on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and was able to report on our progress in closing the loop in the solar industry.
SOLAR MATERIALS bei Solarplaza Sustainability & Circularity Summit
Am 23. November 2022 hatte SOLAR MATERIALS die Gelegenheit, am Solarplaza Sustainability & Circularity Summit teilzunehmen und sich mit vielen Branchenvertretern über Nachhaltigkeit in der Solarbranche auszutauschen. Darüber hinaus nahm Fridolin Franke an einer Podiumsdiskussion unter dem Motto “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” teil und konnte über unsere Fortschritte bei der Schließung des Kreislaufs in der Solarbranche berichten.
Katapult Accelerator 2022
Business
We are really excited to announce that SOLAR MATERIALS is in the top 23 impact tech startups to receive investment from Katapult group this fall. 🚀 These startups represent the top 1% of all 1900 candidates to the accelerator program. In total, the recruitment round screened startups from 6 continents and around 62 countries, and the selected 23 companies represent 14 different countries and span 5 continents.
We will join other startups in the Katapult Accelerator 2022: An accelerator program specifically designed for high impact Ocean- and Climate-tech companies. This award winning program is Katapult’s flagship accelerator program and has received international praise for being the most comprehensive impact program in the world. Over the next three months, we will strengthen our skills in impact, strategy, management and investor readiness through a combination of video modules and hands-on workshops. We will also benefit from entering a network of international mentors, industry players and investors.
Jørn Haanæs, Investment Director of Climate says: “We invest in the most impressive teams we can find, teams, building real climate solutions in fast growing markets. We’re proud to partner with SOLAR MATERIALS for the coming decade.”
