IEA PVPS Explores Module Recycling Market In Germany

• Germany's PV module waste is set to grow significantly by the end of 2030
• It needs to prepare with the collection and recycling of all such EOL modules to improve circularity and ensure sustainable disposal
• Expanding recycling and treatment facilities to handle the upcoming load is extremely important

As the 1^st country to support the widespread adoption of solar modules, Germany needs to navigate the complexities of PV end-of-life (EOL) management as it targets up to 400 GW installations by 2040, says the IEA PVPS. In a new report, under Task 12 PV Sustainability Activities, it offers sustainability enhancements for the country to set a benchmark for global PV waste management practices.

Short for the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme, IEA PVPS has identified the challenges and opportunities in the country's PV recycling market in its report titled Status of PV Module Take-Back and Recycling in Germany.

This report summarizes the identified challenges and improvement measures of the coordination of the take-back system based on discussions conducted in expert workshops between 2021 and 2022 on the practical experiences of the involved stakeholders.

The initial larger PV power plants are expected to reach their EOL by 2040. Their number is set to grow significantly by the end of this decade. Referring to a 2016 study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the IEA PVPS Task 12, analysts estimate Germany's EOL waste for 2030 to range from 400,000 tons to 1,000,000 tons.

However, there is still low transparency of EOL PV module flows despite the government laying down reporting requirements in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).

A big challenge is the high transport costs of the take-back logistics to take the EOL modules to the treatment facilities from collection sites. At the same time, there needs to be different handling/coordination of the collection of such modules from commercial and residential applications.

The report writers also point to the comparatively high breakage rates of intact modules due to improper dismantling/disassembly of PV modules, incorrect storage or load securing during transport of the collected EOL PV modules.

Keeping the importance of sustainability and circularity, the analysts recommend the country to have appropriate treatment and recycling processes for returned PV waste.

Analysts recommend that along with appropriately trained staff for EOL module sorting and transport, the industry could look at extending the collection deadline of 48 hours to increase transport utilization.

Reducing distance from the collection sites to the initial treatment facilities will be helpful in reducing transport costs. Such facilities will need to be equipped to treat several or all types of modules.

Additionally, they want Germany to expand its recycling capacities to meet future demand. These need to be able to recycle not only silicon-based and CdTe modules but also CIGS and tandem panels.

Expanding the recycling infrastructure by combining facilities of the established mechanical or mechanical/wet chemical processes with facilities of new process developments using alternative technologies will also bring down costs.

"Further, professional coordination and infrastructure for the take-back and collection of PV module waste are required to ensure that EOL modules are treated via the intended recycling routes," according to the report.

The report writers also stress on increased transparency for PV module waste volume to better track EOL panels throughout the complete treatment chain. Incentives could be provided to ensure these are returned to official collection points. No fee should be the rule for private users for returning such modules.

The complete report is available for free download on the IEA PVPS website.