Solar power systems are becoming an increasingly significant part of the Danish energy system. At the same time, there is limited knowledge about which environmentally hazardous substances these systems contain and what impact they may have on soil, groundwater, and surface water. PFASOL aims to help generate that knowledge.
PFASOL is an innovation project that develops and demonstrates an environmental technology concept for mapping, sampling, and assessing PFAS and other environmentally hazardous substances in Danish solar power plants. The goal is to generate new knowledge about chemical content, leaching risk, and substitution options so that the solar power industry can support green energy, better chemistry, the circular economy, and the protection of soil and water.
Mapping of PFAS in Solar Power Plants
The project is developing methods for systematic material mapping, sampling, and laboratory-based assessment of PFAS-relevant materials and components in solar power plants.
A database will be established that can be used for risk and substitution assessments and to support future requirements for more sustainable solar power installations. The result will be a validated concept for environmental screening and documentation of PFAS risks in solar power plants.
From the Laboratory to Practical Application
PFASOL is being carried out by Dansk Solcelle Service in collaboration with DTU Sustain.
The project involves mapping PFAS-relevant materials and components, developing sampling methods for solar modules, cables, inverters, and mounting systems, as well as laboratory analysis of PFAS content and potential leaching risk. In addition, environmental assessments are being conducted to evaluate the impact on soil, groundwater, surface water, and circular management, and a certification service is being developed.
The project is based at Risø, where advanced laboratories and testing facilities enable systematic testing and validation under realistic operating and environmental conditions. DTU Sustain contributes expertise in environmental chemistry, sample handling, analysis interpretation, and risk assessment of chemicals in the environment, while the PFAS Center’s analytical tools are integrated into the project. The close link to Risø’s infrastructure is central to the project’s implementation and subsequent scaling.
Part of the Risø SME Innovation Platform
The project is one of 15 innovation projects within the Risø SME Innovation Platform, where companies and research institutions collaborate to develop and demonstrate new green technologies. The platform provides companies with access to research expertise, testing facilities, and strong innovation partnerships based at Risø.
Explore the other projects on the innovation platform
- PFASOL – PFAS in solar power plants – mapping and documentation of PFAS in solar power plants.
- OmniPFAS – flexible solutions for removing PFAS from various types of water.
- KhaosGuard – continuous monitoring of nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater treatment plants.
- RisøLith – 3D printing at the nanoscale at low temperatures.
- Circular solar-powered lighting – off-grid lighting with a focus on circularity and dark-sky principles.
- Heat-driven water-based cooling technology – utilization of excess heat for energy-efficient cooling.
- Reliable water supply – mobile solutions for producing safe drinking water.
- Searine M360 – electric propulsion system for small boats.
- Chemical plastic recycling – conversion of plastic waste into methanol.
- NanoShield – UV and nanotechnology that inhibits bacterial and algal growth on metal surfaces.
- Lab2Land – Greenlandic rock flour for carbon sequestration and soil improvement.
- 3D printing for flood protection – nature-based barriers printed directly into the landscape.
- Recycled Wind Turbines for 3D-Printed Homes – fiberglass from end-of-life wind turbines as a building material.
- Circular Plastic without Permanence – biodegradable plastic made from brewery waste.
- Circular Battery Design – battery systems designed for disassembly, repair, and reuse.
The project is part of the Risø SME Innovation Platform, which was developed as a coordinated initiative under the Investment Support Scheme for Green Innovative Technologies and is administered by Clean. The initiative is funded by REACT-EU funds administered by the Danish Board of Business Development.
