Recently, (from May 11-14, 2025), Dr. Do The Can, a lecturer from the University of Science and Technology (DUT) - the University of Da Nang (UD), attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025 with the Project on Waste Solar Panel Recycling Technology.

This is a project by the Da Nang International Institute of Technology (DNIIT) - UD, with the author group including Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Nhan, Dr. Do The Can. It is one of three projects from Southeast Asia participating in this event.

According to the research group's representative, this Project was also honor to be one of nine initiatives recognized at the Science Initiatives Competition - 2025, organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and VNExpress Online Newspaper (on May 16, 2025).

Stemming from the pressing need to address the growing challenge of end-of-life solar panels posing a risk of  becoming waste and causing environmental pollution, a research group comprised of scientists and lecturers from UD-DNIIT and the UD-DUT has initiated research on technology to recycle waste solar panels into input materials for new products.

Based on the initial research results, the project has been assigned for incubation by the Da Nang City People's Committee at the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park - Management Board of the Da Nang High-Tech Park and Industrial Zones to continue its refinement, development, and practical application.

By the end of 2022, the Project was certified for graduation, completing incubation phase and continued to collaborate with businesses to implement its output product, meeting the criteria of the circular economy process, contributing to utilizing waste as new raw material and protecting the environment.

The project has also developed into a startup company with technology to separate components from low-efficiency, damaged solar panels. Results show that 100 panels can be recycled into 250 kg of aluminum, 1.5 tons of glass, 100 kg of plastic, 200 electrical boxes, and 20 kg of metals, (the recycling rate is about 90%). Additionally, the team has developed  technology to recycle waste solar panels to extend their lifespan of these panels.

According to the research team, this project was funded by the U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnershipto implement phase 1, and was evaluated as among the Top 6 projects in Asia to receive the highest funding.

According to Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Nhan - Director of UD-DNIIT, the 5R-Tech technology can address the issue of minimizing environmental pollution risks and developing clean technology, serving as a prime example of a circular economy model that is highly relevant to current realities.

The highlight of participating in the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, a major government-level event organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, bringing together numerous leaders, corporations, businesses, and international startup investors.

This serves as a motivation not only for the research team but also opens up opportunities to showcase the research and innovation potential of theUniversity of Da Nang's  member/affiliated schools and units to the international community.

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