What about Reusing and Recycling PV Panels

Recording of Thursday, May 08, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Exhibition Program 2025 | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 10:13 .

Understanding E-Waste Legislation and Recycling Challenges for PV Panels in Europe

The presentation provides an introduction to the legislation and economic implications surrounding photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling, focusing on European regulations such as the WEEE directive. This directive has been in place since 2002 for e-waste management, with specific provisions for PV panels introduced in 2012 under extended producer responsibility (EPR). The EPR also applies to other electronic waste like batteries and packaging. A key point is that "producers" are defined broadly as those introducing electronics into EU markets, not just manufacturers. Recycling of PV panels involves understanding material composition—primarily glass but also metals like silver and copper—and assessing their value post-recovery. However, extracting valuable materials from these products can be costly due to impurities. The discussion touches upon reuse initiatives led by IEC technical reports aimed at establishing global standards for reusing PV panels safely while complying with international conventions like Basel Convention regarding shipping used equipment. Finally, it outlines a multi-step process involving mechanical and chemical treatments necessary before final recovery or disposal phases occur efficiently within cost constraints.

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Speaker

Jan Clyncke
Managing Director
PV CYCLE

Talk of session: PV Recycling - Regulations, Best Practice and Available Recycling Processes

20 years or so after the first solar boom in Germany and Europe, the industry is looking how to deal with the growing number of used modules. Despite the ramp-up of PV recycling, there are still some unknowns: What are the obligations and responsibilities when it comes to PV recycling? What will happen to PV modules at the end of their service life? What practicable and sustainable solutions are there, and how can raw materials be recovered?This sessions will be providing an overview of the legal and regulatory framework conditions governing PV recycling in Europe. It will show the role that module manufacturers, wholesalers and project developers play in the end-of-life management of PV modules. This will be followed by two recycling companies presenting the state of the art of their respective recycling method and its business case.

Further Talks of this session: