Prediction of the Market of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels in the Context of Common EU Management System

Abstract

A significant development of the photovoltaic market in the European Union has been observed recently. This is mainly due to the adopted climate policy and the development of photovoltaic technology, resulting in increased availability for consumers at lower prices. In the long run, increased installed PV capacity is associated with an increased amount of photovoltaic waste generated at the end of life. Since this waste belongs to the group of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) waste, it is subjected to high recovery levels. Existing installations for the highly efficient recycling of PV panels are just proofs of concept. However, the situation will change in the near future, and it will be necessary to implement a full-scale waste management system dedicated to PV waste. The paper estimates mass streams of photovoltaic waste generated by 2050 in individual EU countries. Consequently, the characteristics of the European market of waste PV panels are considered together with the demand of individual Member States for installations. The estimation enables the fulfillment of the Directive on WEEE recovery rates.

Keywords

• end-of-life photovoltaic modules
• recycling
• upcycling
• photovoltaic waste