Several countries have developed successful photovoltaic (PV) recycling infrastructure, supported by regulatory frameworks, industry initiatives, and technological advancements. Notable examples include:
Europe
- Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have been leaders in PV recycling due to the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive implemented since 2012. This directive mandates collection, recovery, and recycling targets for PV panels, making recycling compulsory across all member states.
- PV Cycle, a European organization, has been highly effective in managing PV module waste since 2010, processing over 15,000 tonnes by 2016 and achieving a silicon-based PV recycling rate of 96%. Their advanced methods economically and environmentally recycle silicon flakes from modules, and they have been expanding partnerships across Europe, including France and Belgium.
- In France, startups like ROSI (Return of Silicon) have pioneered innovative processes to recover high-purity silicon and valuable materials, enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability within the solar industry.
- Germany is preparing for substantial PV module waste as its large PV installations reach end-of-life (EOL), with targets set to reach 215 GWp by 2030 and 400 GWp by 2040. This makes Germany a key case of large-scale PV recycling infrastructure development.
North America
- The United States and Canada are rapidly expanding PV recycling projects with government initiatives focused on full lifecycle approaches. Canada’s solar power sector aims to minimize waste and maximize resource use in both manufacturing and EOL processes to reduce fossil-fuel emissions.
- The U.S. leads in publications and research on PV recycling, highlighting its advanced efforts and technological development to handle PV waste.
Asia-Pacific
- Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are part of the growing movement towards PV recycling infrastructure, with China being a major global PV manufacturer and recycler.
These case studies exemplify successful development of PV recycling infrastructure integrating regulatory mandates, industry collaboration, and innovative technologies, especially in Europe and North America, positioning these regions as frontrunners in managing the end-of-life of photovoltaic modules sustainably.
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