Product stewardship for solar photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The uptake of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for the generation of clean energy has almost exponentially increased over the past 10 years and can be expected to further exponentially increase until 2030. Organisations like the International Renewable Energy Agency have clearly outlined the need and benefits of robust end-of-life (EoL) management legislations, such as a product stewardship scheme or extended producer responsibility, to cope with the significant expected waste volume arising from solar PV panels during the next 30 years or so. However, effective EoL management legislation is still not existing in many countries despite having significant solar PV capacity installed. This article explores a possible strategy for a product stewardship legislation for solar PV panels including options for necessary levies to support an emerging recycling industry for solar panels. Given that currently almost 3 billion solar PV panels are installed worldwide, considerations are also given for a legislation which supports and encourages a second hand economy for solar PV panels.