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Policies and Measures for Sustainable Management of Solar Panel End-of-Life in Italy

Author

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  • Ornella Malandrino

    (Department of Business Sciences–Management & Innovation Systems (DISA-MIS), University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

  • Daniela Sica

    (Department of Business Sciences–Management & Innovation Systems (DISA-MIS), University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

  • Mario Testa

    (Department of Business Sciences–Management & Innovation Systems (DISA-MIS), University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

  • Stefania Supino

    (Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University, 00166 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to carry out a review of the main technical-economic and environmental implications associated with the production of photovoltaic (PV) energy, one of the renewable sources for the production of electricity which currently presents the highest rate of growth worldwide—particularly in Europe and in Italy. The review provides a detailed exploration of the most important initiatives taken at the national level for the end-of-life management of the modules, and highlights issues associated with the disposal and/or recycling of obsolete photovoltaic panels in terms of techno-economic and socio-environmental sustainability. The paper highlights the main critical elements and potential opportunities deriving from the technological, managerial, and organizational options available to enhance recovery and recycling rates of PV panels in Italy. Results point out the importance of a circular economy perspective, through the involvement and awareness of the actors in the process, in order to render an even greener photovoltaic energy life cycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Ornella Malandrino & Daniela Sica & Mario Testa & Stefania Supino, 2017. "Policies and Measures for Sustainable Management of Solar Panel End-of-Life in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:481-:d:93896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Hui Fang Yu & Md. Hasanuzzaman & Nasrudin Abd Rahim & Norridah Amin & Noriah Nor Adzman, 2022. "Global Challenges and Prospects of Photovoltaic Materials Disposal and Recycling: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-41, July.
    3. Sica, Daniela & Malandrino, Ornella & Supino, Stefania & Testa, Mario & Lucchetti, Maria Claudia, 2018. "Management of end-of-life photovoltaic panels as a step towards a circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2934-2945.
    4. Nain, Preeti & Kumar, Arun, 2020. "Understanding the possibility of material release from end-of-life solar modules: A study based on literature review and survey analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 903-918.
    5. Ansanelli, G. & Fiorentino, G. & Tammaro, M. & Zucaro, A., 2021. "A Life Cycle Assessment of a recovery process from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    6. Marcos García-López & Borja Montano & Joaquín Melgarejo, 2023. "The Influence of Photovoltaic Self-Consumption on Water Treatment Energy Costs: The Case of the Region of Valencia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-21, July.
    7. Deng, Rong & Chang, Nathan L. & Ouyang, Zi & Chong, Chee Mun, 2019. "A techno-economic review of silicon photovoltaic module recycling," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 532-550.

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