The development of solar energy has passed a long way from the middle of 20th century till now to become one of the most demanded clean energy generation sources. Compared to the traditional energy resources, solar energy has not “polluted” the environment yet, as it is relatively young industry. As any other electronic goods, solar PV panels cannot last forever, having a lifespan about 20-35 year. And landfill is not a place where the world wants to see solar panels after the end of its exploitation term.
According to IRENA and IEA research after 2050 solar PV waste volumes are going to reach and even overtake the total quantity of installed capacities. This is the very new emerging challenge for the whole RES industry and for the world Governments to address. Otherwise, the issue of end-of-life panels will be added to the global problem of waste in the world and could worsen ecological situation.
Based on research by IRENA and IEA, EUEA has prepared new research on “Solar Photovoltaic Waste Management: Threats and Opportunities”. In this study, EUEA has covered the following issues:
• Why the problem of recycling solar photovoltaics is inevitable;
• Solar panels composition overview and the threats that can cause its components;
• What initiatives and legislation already exist today.
On March 25, 2021, the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency (EUEA) organized and held webinar on «Solar PV Waste Management in Ukraine».
To watch the webinar record: https://www.facebook.com/EUEA.UA/videos/201997837930576
Speaker presentations: https://cutt.ly/SxAwKVE
Source EUEA