With the need for PV disposal options growing, can the industry embrace solar panel recycling while learning how to profit from end-of-life decommissioning?

1. SOLAR
PANEL
DISPOSAL
IN AMERICA
CanThe Solar Industry Profit while Protecting the
Environment?

2. 20-30 Years
10 Years
100%
Lifespan of an average PV module
Lifespan of an average inverter
Increase in PV capacity in the USA by 2024
Via Solar Energy Industry Association

3. Challenges with solar growth
• Delayed legislation hampering the adaptation of alternative energies
– Most states are now embracing solar
• Relatively low costs of electricity
• Ending of tax incentives
– Efforts to prolong incentives under way in many areas
• Initial cost of installation
– Cost of hardware is declining due to efficient manufacturing
• Cumbersome, expensive workflows for decommissioning and disposal at end-of-life

4. Solar Project
Management
What should you
expect?
• Long project lifecycles
– Decommission Planning
– Equipment Sourcing & Installation
– On-goingOperations & Maintenance
– Decommissioning & Disposal
• End-of-LifeOptions
– Recycling
– Refurbishment
– MaximumValue Recovery

5. Top Reasons to Decommission
• Weather-related damages
• Shipping and installation-related damages
• Replacement due to lower efficiency
• Solar installation upgrades

6. Equipment
Disposal
Concerns
During and after teardown phase:
• EPA compliance
• Toxic waste materials
– Arsenic
– Cadmium
– Copper
– Lead
– Silicon
• Loss of rare/valuable materials

7. Recycling &
Value
Recovery
Are you looking at a total loss?
What are the options for manufacturers, utility companies,
and PPAs?

8. Recycling & Value Recovery
• Landfilling and unscrupulous disposal methods lead to total loss
– Businesses can be subject to steep fines
• Ways to realize equipment value as an end-of-life option:
– Recycling
– Refurbishment
– Value Recovery

9. Brand
Protection
Responsible processing of end-
of-life PV equipment provides
complete brand protection.
A manufacturer’s brand and
reputation is safeguarded in the
market and the bottom line is
protected from unregulated sales
on the gray market.

10. Who can
profit the
most?
Solar industry business that stand to profit the most from
responsible solar equipment recycling and value recovery:
• Manufacturers
• Leasing & PPA Companies
• Utilities
• Contractors & Installers
• Operations & Maintenance Professionals
• Enterprise Businesses

11. http://werecyclesolar.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/werecyclesolar/
Ready to learn more
about proper solar
equipment disposal,
recycling, and maximum
value recovery?