University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Recycling and Reuse Program

Submitter: Laura Barnes

Content Files
Solar PV EOL Fact Sheet final edit.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108969

Description

Title
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Recycling and Reuse Program
Issue Date
2020-11
Keyword(s)
  • Solar panels -- Illinois -- Recycling
  • Solar photovoltaics -- Illinois -- Recycling
  • Circular economy
  • Reuse
Date of Ingest
2020-11-12T19:18:51Z
Geographic Coverage
Illinois
Abstract
As is common with fast-growing markets, little thought has been given until recently to end-of-life disposal considerations for solar modules. Currently, solar disposal makes up only a small percentage of the number being installed, and the majority of disposal presently in the U.S. is due to damage to the panels during transportation and installation or from severe weather events.

The design life of a solar module is 30 years. In the next 5-10 years, states will begin to see a sharp spike in the number of modules that will need to be reused or recycled. Solutions include:
  • Early engagement on module takeback models with national, state, and local stakeholders
  • Feedback loops with public utilities and contractors for resource and system planning
  • Consideration for impacts on landfills, collection and transportation for reuse, recycling, and secondary material markets
  • Education and outreach to businesses & communities
Publisher
Champaign, IL : Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
Series/Report Name or Number
TN Series (Illinois Sustainable Technology Center) ; 20-139
Type of Resource
text
Genre of Resource
other
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108969

Owning Collections

TN Series and other Factsheets - Illinois Sustainable Technology Center PRIMARY
ISTC TN Series
Renewable Energy Equipment Recover-Reuse Program publications
Publications from ISTC's Renewable Energy Equipment Recover-Reuse Program