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Potential Impact of Consumer Intention on Generation of Waste Photovoltaic Panels: A Case Study for Tokyo

Author

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  • Shinsuke Murakami

    (Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
    Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

  • Haruhisa Yamamoto

    (Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

  • Terufumi Toyota

    (Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

Abstract

As the world moves toward decarbonization, Japan is experiencing a rapid introduction of solar modules. However, the country does not have an adequate social system for managing waste photovoltaic (PV) panels. A waste generation estimate would be needed to do this effectively. Usually, waste generation estimation is performed by assuming that the lifespan distribution is primarily dependent on the mechanical life of the target item. However, considering the continuing improvement in panel quality, consumers consider replacement or disposal before mechanical failure of the product. Therefore, to study consumer intention, we surveyed potential consumer decision making on replacement/disposal via a questionnaire survey and attempted to include the result as part of our waste panel generation estimation, which, to our knowledge, has never previously been carried out. Considering the owners’ decision making, waste panel generation was in advance compared with the case where we only assumed the mechanical failure of panels and housings. This indicated a huge number of potentially reusable panel generations. In addition to mechanical failure, waste panel generation due to owners’ decisions should also be considered for estimating maximum potential waste. Policy makers should prepare the appropriate recycling social system in advance, considering the possible reuse of panels, which fits the current social situation oriented toward a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Shinsuke Murakami & Haruhisa Yamamoto & Terufumi Toyota, 2021. "Potential Impact of Consumer Intention on Generation of Waste Photovoltaic Panels: A Case Study for Tokyo," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10507-:d:640506
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Masahiro Oguchi & Shinsuke Murakami & Tomohiro Tasaki & Ichiro Daigo & Seiji Hashimoto, 2010. "Lifespan of Commodities, Part II," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 14(4), pages 613-626, August.
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    3. Elshkaki, Ayman & Shen, Lei, 2019. "Energy-material nexus: The impacts of national and international energy scenarios on critical metals use in China up to 2050 and their global implications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 903-917.
    4. Paiano, Annarita, 2015. "Photovoltaic waste assessment in Italy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 99-112.
    5. Vincenzo Muteri & Maurizio Cellura & Domenico Curto & Vincenzo Franzitta & Sonia Longo & Marina Mistretta & Maria Laura Parisi, 2020. "Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-38, January.
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