In an inspiring development for the renewable energy sector, French startup DOTSun is proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The Lyon-based company has unveiled a groundbreaking on-site repair solution that's giving solar panels a second lease on life, transforming what would be electronic waste into fully functional energy generators once again.

The new system, called DOTSun Extended Life, tackles one of solar energy's most persistent challenges: backsheet degradation. What makes this solution particularly exciting is its versatility, working seamlessly with all major backsheet types including polyamide, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyethylene terephthalate. This means countless solar installations across the globe could benefit from this innovative technology.

Founding partner Stephan Padlewski shares the company's ambitious yet thoughtful approach. "We're starting with greenhouses, rooftops, and small ground-mounted systems, focusing on installations with up to 2,000 panels that can be repaired directly on-site," he explains. This practical, scalable strategy ensures the technology reaches those who need it most, right where they are.

The repair process itself is elegantly simple yet highly effective. Technicians apply a specially designed hydrolysis and UV-resistant adhesive film to damaged panels, restoring both electrical insulation and long-term durability. The protective film, manufactured in France by high-performance materials provider Addev Materials, creates a strong bond with degraded surfaces using pressure-sensitive adhesive technology.

Perhaps most impressively, the entire operation can be conducted on-site using DOTSun's proprietary lamination equipment, which operates manually without requiring external power. This ingenious design makes repairs accessible even in remote locations, with capacity to process up to 10 panels per hour. For larger operations, the company is developing an industrial-scale laminator capable of handling around 100 panels hourly, planned for deployment in late 2027.

The financial benefits are equally compelling. DOTSun's on-site repair costs approximately 15 to 20 cents per watt, delivering substantial savings of 40 to 60 percent compared to purchasing new panels with similar characteristics. This economic advantage becomes even more significant considering the difficulty of sourcing smaller legacy panels, as modern production focuses on larger modules with entirely different specifications.

Before any repair work begins, DOTSun conducts comprehensive technical audits to assess performance and identify early signs of degradation. This thorough approach ensures that resources are invested wisely, with panels showing reversible degradation receiving repairs while those beyond recovery are properly replaced.

The repair process unfolds in a dedicated mobile workshop shelter, where panels undergo visual inspection, cleaning, lamination with the protective film, edge sealing, and final quality control checks. Throughout the process, dismantled panels are carefully organized according to their original configuration, ensuring seamless reinstallation.

DOTSun's commitment to sustainability recently earned recognition from the French environmental agency Ademe and the Prefecture of the South PACA region, who awarded the company the prestigious Green Fund for Territories of Industry in 2025.

Founded in 2022, DOTSun exemplifies how innovative thinking can create win-win solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy. By extending the life of existing solar panels, they're not only reducing electronic waste but also making renewable energy more affordable and accessible for everyone. As the world continues its crucial transition to clean energy, solutions like this remind us that sometimes the most sustainable path forward involves caring for what we already have.