Solar industry wants to reuse used photovoltaics
SENS eRecycling, Swissolar and Bern University of Applied Sciences want to create business models for the reuse of photovoltaic modules. The value for secondary use is to be determined at an early stage using data and made accessible via a digital platform.
SENS eRecycling, the industry association Swissolar and the Biel-based Department of Engineering & Information Technology at Bern University of Applied Sciences are working with other partners to promote the circular economy in the solar industry. As part of the Swiss PV Circle project, they want to extend the lifespan of photovoltaics by creating business models for the reuse of used modules, according to a press release.
The project is based on the observation that photovoltaic modules still have 90 per cent of their original output even after 20 years. Nevertheless, they are often discarded because they are either damaged or the operators want to upgrade to more powerful models.
The partners want to collect data on the modules used in Switzerland and make this available to all stakeholders via a digital platform. The development of business models also involves ensuring an infrastructure for the dismantling, storage and testing of used modules, including their labelling. It should also be possible to track the modules throughout their entire service life.
The module manufacturers Meyer Burger Technology and 3S Swiss Solar Solutions in Thun, Helion Energy in Cham ZG as an installer and operator of systems, the energy supplier CKW as well as KWB Planreal in Widnau SG and Reiling PV-Recyling GmbH & Co. KG from Münster in North Rhine-Westphalia, two specialists in the recycling of photovoltaic systems, are also participating in Swiss PV Circle.