REpair-, REfurbish- and REmanufacture-Ability Assessment of c-Si PV Modules—Method Development

The development of resource-efficient products based on a comprehensive assessment of the R-principles is becoming increasingly important in the context of the Eco-Design Regulation. However, there is no basis for assessing c-Si photovoltaic modules in the context of REpair, REfurbish, and REmanufacture. The aim of this study is therefore to create an assessment basis including a definition framework and a selection of priority parts. The results are a basic functional and structural analysis, an initial catalog of criteria for a semi-quantitative assessment method, and a weighting of priority parts. It becomes clear that individual cells and connection components are particularly relevant for REpair and REfurbish. For REmanufacture, attention should be paid to the entirety of the cells, the frame, and the glass. Overall, a method is created that, in application, lays the foundation for a sustainable product design of photovoltaic modules improved for the circular economy and can be further optimized.