Michiel van Schalkwijk, director Solarwatt Netherlands ‘Powering a better tomorrow – that’s our mission’

PFAS-free and low carbon emissions

Solarwatt’s solar panels combine durability with minimal environmental impact. “Our panels use glass-glass technology, making them PFAS-free and highly recyclable. We minimise emission by producing on green electricity as much as possible” says Van Schalkwijk. “Even when producing elsewhere, we consciously choose locations committed to sustainable practices and low emissions. Customers are increasingly aware of these aspects, and they actively seek responsible choices.”

Collaboration is key

Despite complexities within the supply chain, Solarwatt actively engages in collaboration with Chinese suppliers to drive positive change. “Last year, we personally visited production sites in China. It was inspiring to see how having open conversations helped plant seeds for sustainability. You could feel a shift towards sustainability beginning to happen.” While acknowledging that there is much room for improvement, he considers these discussions a significant step forward. “We’re not here to point fingers but to take our responsibility. Each week, we discuss with our suppliers how to enhance transparency in their supply chains. We know their suppliers up to the polysilicon production. We actively focus on origins and the lowest possible carbon footprint. Such cooperation leads to tangible improvements.”

Recycling as a logical next step

Besides production, Solarwatt actively looks towards recycling. The company co-founded the Foundation for Solar Energy Recycling Netherlands (ZRN) and fulfills a position in the board of the OPEN Foundation, responsible for collecting and recycling electronic waste. “OPEN recently signed a contract with a Dutch recycler,” Van Schalkwijk explains. “They dismantle solar panels, separate materials, and even recover silicon. This innovative recycling process is now nearly cost-neutral, representing a true breakthrough and a significant step forward for the circularity of solar panels.”

Cradle-to-Cradle certified

Solarwatt is one of few companies in the sector worldwide to hold Cradle-to-Cradle certification. It offers customers and partners transparence and the unique guarantee that the entire production process of their glass-glass solar panels is fully sustainable and responsible: “It’s not only about material usage, but also about energy consumption, water management, and social responsibility,” Van Schalkwijk adds. “It underlines our long-standing commitment to making our products sustainable and reflects our quality and intrinsic motivation as a company to contribute to a circular and responsible energy future at every step. Cradle-to-Cradle certification matters because it encourages companies to systematically think about the impact of their products—from sourcing raw materials to recycling. It guarantees Solarwatt’s clean energy is produced sustainably.”

Why join the Agreement?

Participation in the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector was a deliberate choice for Solarwatt. “We not only want to demonstrate that we take responsibility but also that we continuously want to learn. The Agreement’s practical tools and inspiring network of like-minded organisations are extremely valuable for a medium-sized company like ours,” says Van Schalkwijk. “Knowledge sessions on topics such as due diligence help us remain vigilant and actively supports us in making meaningful progress.”

Moving forward together

Van Schalkwijk sees many opportunities for acceleration: “We are at the beginning of what’s possible. New technologies, growing customer awareness, and many companies’ willingness to look beyond price alone create momentum. The Agreement helps amplify this momentum.” Policymakers also play a significant role. “There are opportunities to incentivize sustainable production, for instance, through tender criteria or subsidies targeting low-carbon emissions. Initial steps, like integrating sustainability in the Dutch SDE++ subsidy scheme, offer promising prospects.”

A responsible and resilient sector

Despite the dilemmas the sector is facing, Van Schalkwijk remains optimistic: “Anyone working with solar panels knows significant issues exist in the supply chain, but by addressing these consciously, you can contribute to positive change. Perfection might be unattainable—but our collective ambition is genuinely inspiring. Together, we are building a responsible and resilient sector.”