Soren is the government-approved eco-organisation for the collection and processing of used photovoltaic panels in France (with no cost to the owner). Its expertise makes it a key player in the effective and sustainable coordination of all the stakeholders in the photovoltaic sector in France and its overseas territories: holders, marketers, institutions, local authorities, players and operators in the circular economy, in a collective, supportive and local approach. With a comprehensive approach combining technical, environmental, economic and social performance, it is working to build an increasingly circular photovoltaic industry.
Legal background
Start of operation
Soren was created in 2014 and received its first accreditation in 2015.
Members
Soren has 458 Members to date.
Financing system
There is a visible fee for any new photovoltaic module put on the market. Soren also receives income from secondary raw material resale, as well as financial interest from provisions.
Collection system
Soren collects small volumes (<40) in collection points, which represent around 10% of the total collected weight while large volumes (>40), are collected directly across 450 sites and represent over 90% of the collected weight. The collected modules are shipped either to logistics centres or treatment centres by our transportation partners. Effectively, Soren acts an operational PRO and makes logistical decisions as well. They actively support the development of high value recycling, and more recently reuse, which is quite specific for PV.
Soren collected over 22,000 tons of photovoltaic panels between 2015 and 2022.
