Resources

PV Recycling Terms

Reclamation

Reclaiming a waste product by converting it into useful products. This might include separating aluminum frames or glass from PV panels for recycling.

Recycling

The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling converts used materials into as close to their virgin state as possible, avoiding the use of raw materials. Recycling will salvage certain materials due to their intrinsic value or hazardous nature.

Repurposing

Giving a new purpose or use to an existing item. For example, repurposing older solar panels in installations requiring less power or in off-grid applications.

International Energy Agency Assessment of Photovoltaic Module Failures in the Field

Assessment of photovoltaic module failures in the field. Material interactions in PV modules: the rold of polymers in PV module degradation.

The Energy Show Podcast: Recycling Solar Panels with Sam Vanderhoof

The Energy Show · Recycling Solar Panels with Sam Vanderhoof

Legislation Affecting PV Recyling

State of Washington Senate Bill 5939

The legislature finds and declares that stimulating local investment in distributed renewable energy generation is an important part of a state energy strategy, helping to increase energy independence from fossil fuels, promote economic development, hedge against the effects of climate change, and attain environmental benefits. The legislature intends to increase the effectiveness of the existing renewable energy investment cost recovery program by reducing the maximum incentive rate provided for each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by a renewable energy system over the period of the program and by creating opportunities for broader participation by low-income individuals and others who may not own the premises where a renewable energy system may be installed. The legislature intends to provide an incentive sufficient to promote installation of systems through 2021, at which point the legislature expects that the state’s renewable energy industry will be capable of sustained growth and vitality without the cost recovery incentive.

State of New York Solar Panel Collection Act

AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to enacting the “solar panel collection act”; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “solar panel collection act”. 

California Health and Safety Code 25259

25259. The department may, by regulation, designate end-of-life photovoltaic modules that are identified as hazardous waste as a universal waste and subject those modules to universal waste management. The department may revise these regulations as necessary.

SB-489 Hazardous Waste: Photovoltaic Modules

SB-489 Hazardous waste: photovoltaic modules. (2015-2016) Article 17. Photovoltaic Modules 25259. The department may, by regulation, designate end-of-life photovoltaic modules that are identified as hazardous waste as a universal waste and subject those modules to universal waste management. The department may revise these regulations as necessary.