IEC Technical Report for reuse of PV modules and circular economy
Many large PV fleets are approaching the end of their designed technical life (20-25 years) or being revamped/repowered with newer technology.
According to IRENA, 78 million metric tons of PV module waste will be generated worldwide by 2050. With the projection of a growing amount of waste from photovoltaic (PV) modules in coming years, it is crucial to address properly the challenges of their end-of-life management. Initiatives on reuse and recycling must lead the way.
The BEC National Committee launched a New Work Item (NWI) initiative to IEC TC82 WG2 which mandated the project management of the creation of an IEC Technical Report TR 63525. The project management is sponsored by PVCycle (https://pvcycle.org/about-pv-cycle/). The involvement of PVCycle, a non-profit organization specializing in waste management and legal compliance services for the solar industry, underscores the importance of industry collaboration and collective action in addressing complex environmental challenges.
It's encouraging to see proactive initiatives like the TR 63525 project addressing the challenges of end-of-life management for PV modules. With the projected increase in PV module waste, it's crucial to develop effective strategies for reuse and recycling to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency.
The involvement of about 30 experts from various regions and disciplines, that are meeting on a weekly basis, is essential for ensuring comprehensive considerations in the development of recommendations for PV module reuse. Addressing concerns such as performance, safety, and financial viability is paramount to promote the adoption of reused modules and build confidence in their reliability.
Standardization efforts like those undertaken by the BEC and IEC TC82 WG2 are instrumental in providing clear guidelines and specifications for PV module reuse. Establishing industry standards will not only facilitate the integration of reused modules into the market but also contribute to advancing the circular economy principles within the solar energy sector.
The collaboration between the BEC National Committee, IEC TC82 WG2, and PVCycle on the TR 63525 project demonstrates a concerted effort to tackle the growing challenge of PV module waste management. By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, this initiative has the potential to drive significant progress in developing sustainable solutions for end-of-life management of PV modules. The planned launch of the TR 63525 report to the market in Q1 2025 signifies a significant milestone in advancing sustainable solutions for PV module end-of-life management.