Photovoltaics in Focus: Developments, Future Predictions and How the PVReValue Project aims to Recycle PV Modules

Strong policy support for solar PV is driving the acceleration in capacity growth. Even though today's PV modules are designed to last as long as possible, sooner or later, every new product will end up as waste. Initially, future waste, which currently includes PV modules, will be produced in relatively small quantities and will not play a role in waste management. At the end of a product's life cycle, the waste and resource management industry must be prepared and have appropriate recycling processes in place – because all waste contains valuable, recyclable resources, often including critical aw materials. As part of the PVReValue research project, the scientific and technical basis for a complete recycling and utilisation process for PV modules is being developed. Due to the complex composite construction, the efficient and high-quality recycling of PV modules represents a major challenge.