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Improving the end-of-life management of solar panels in Germany

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  • El-Khawad, Livia
  • Bartkowiak, Dorota
  • Kümmerer, Klaus

Abstract

Fulfilling the SDGs and reaching the climate neutrality target of the EU Green Deal will require a global effort, for which solar energy is indispensable. From 2030 the global number of decommissioned and thus waste solar panels will increase exponentially. This review article specifies the barriers and solutions to creating a closed loop system (CLS) in the crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics industry in Germany. The conclusions drawn are however relevant for all countries using solar panels, as they will face similar challenges. Specific recommendations are outlined based on identified challenges that will help ensure a CLS for c-Si solar panels. Regarding regulation it is recommended that recycling targets for solar panels should be adjusted so that they are not linked to weight, as this does not encourage the recovery of all materials. It is also crucial that the design of the solar panels is adjusted to ensure that repair, refurbishment and at a later stage recycling are possible. Since the economic feasibility is not given at a small scale it is suggested for companies to join larger recycling schemes. Collaboration and exchange along the supply and value chain is also identified as essential to ensure the development of solutions that will truly enable the creation of a CLS. Product as a service should also be explored by solar panel companies as this would encourage the production of panels that can be easily repaired and later recycled.

Suggested Citation

  • El-Khawad, Livia & Bartkowiak, Dorota & Kümmerer, Klaus, 2022. "Improving the end-of-life management of solar panels in Germany," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:168:y:2022:i:c:s136403212200569x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. Cucchiella, Federica & D׳Adamo, Idiano & Rosa, Paolo, 2015. "End-of-Life of used photovoltaic modules: A financial analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 552-561.
    3. Klugmann-Radziemska, Ewa & Ostrowski, Piotr, 2010. "Chemical treatment of crystalline silicon solar cells as a method of recovering pure silicon from photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1751-1759.
    4. Kang, Sukmin & Yoo, Sungyeol & Lee, Jina & Boo, Bonghyun & Ryu, Hojin, 2012. "Experimental investigations for recycling of silicon and glass from waste photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 152-159.
    5. Theresa S. Wallner & Lise Magnier & Ruth Mugge, 2020. "An Exploration of the Value of Timeless Design Styles for the Consumer Acceptance of Refurbished Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, February.
    6. McDonald, N.C. & Pearce, J.M., 2010. "Producer responsibility and recycling solar photovoltaic modules," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(11), pages 7041-7047, November.
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    1. Aşkın, Asmin & Kılkış, Şiir & Akınoğlu, Bülent Gültekin, 2023. "Recycling photovoltaic modules within a circular economy approach and a snapshot for Türkiye," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 583-596.
    2. Novak, Milan & Vohnout, Rudolf & Landkamer, Ladislav & Budik, Ondrej & Eider, Markus & Mukherjee, Amrit, 2023. "Energy-efficient smart solar system cooling for real-time dynamic weather changes in mild-climate regions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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