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Summary:
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The global deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has accelerated significantly, with cumulative installed capacity reaching approximately 1.6 terawatts (TW) by the end of 2023. Notably, between 407 and 446 gigawatts (GW) of new PV systems were commissioned in that year alone, marking an over 80% increase compared to 2022. This remarkable expansion is projected to result in substantial volumes of end-of-life (EOL) PV panel waste in the coming decades. Estimates indicate that, under early-loss scenarios, cumulative global PV panel waste could reach up to 78 million tonnes by 2050.
While recycling technologies for PV panels exist, their adoption remains limited primarily due to regulatory gaps and inconsistent policy frameworks. For instance, in the United States, only a few states (e.g., Washington, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and North Carolina) have specific policies addressing PV panel recycling, leading to most decommissioned panels being disposed of in landfills. In contrast, the European Union has implemented the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requiring recycling rate of up to 85% for PV modules. However, such measures have not been universally adopted, resulting in inconsistent EOL management practices globally. In Africa, the challenge is even more critical. While the continent possesses abundant solar resources, making it one of the most promising regions globally for solar PV deployment, there remains a lack of dedicated regulatory frameworks, limited technical capacity, and underdeveloped recycling infrastructure for managing PV panel waste. Solar energy is being rapidly scaled up to support rural electrification, off-grid solutions, and national energy access goals. However, without proactive policies and investment in EOL systems, African countries risk accumulating significant volumes of PV waste without the means to safely recover valuable materials such as aluminium, copper, silicon, and rare earth elements.
The absence of standardized EOL practices poses environmental risks and leads to the loss of valuable materials of solar PV panels, such as aluminium, copper, and rare metals. Establishing a unified framework is essential to mitigate these risks and promote a circular economy.
This draft Recommendation addresses the urgent need for standardized practices in PV panel EOL management, promoting environmental sustainability and resource recovery. By identifying current regulatory and technical gaps, and offering actionable guidelines, it aims to support stakeholders, including governments, manufacturers, recyclers, and standardization bodies, in adopting sustainable, resource-efficient EOL practices that minimize environmental harm and maximize material recovery.
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