The photovoltaic market in Switzerland has been pointing in only one direction since 2017: uphill. However, the increasing number of new photovoltaic installations is leading to major challenges in managing the growing volumes of discarded modules that end up in the waste stream at the end of their life cycle.
However, according to experts from the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the output of around half of the photovoltaic modules discarded each year would be sufficient for them to be reused as second-hand modules. The use of such modules would be particularly interesting where not enough financial resources are available or sustainability considerations play an important role.
However, due to improper handling, many photovoltaic modules are damaged after dismantling, so that they are no longer suitable for reuse. Furthermore, a fundamental problem is the insufficient exchange of data between the different actors and stages of the photovoltaic value chain, which makes circular strategies difficult.
The Swiss PV Circle project
The aim of the project is to extend the service life of PV modules by developing business models in the area of reuse. To this end, a platform is being developed that enables the early determination of the applicable cycle strategy through comprehensive data management. This data-based assessment will be supported by a standardised test procedure that determines the reuse potential of PV modules. In this way, tested second-hand modules can be put on the market at a lower price and only those modules that are no longer functional can be recycled.
Project services in eight work packages
All project partners are involved in eight work packages with their respective contributions.
Project services in detail
The project aimed to achieve the following outputs:
WP1: Database – Development of a circularity database for the Swiss solar industry
Goal
Operational data platform for Reuse business model, uniform registration of modules, creation of a basis for calculations and forecasts.
Lead
Bern University of Applied Sciences
Collaboration
SENS eRecycling, Swissolar, Meyer Burger, 3S
Download deliverables
Operating model of the database/platform for second-hand photovoltaic modules
WP2: Business model – Business model development for reuse of photovoltaics modules
Goal
To gain knowledge on the desirability, feasibility, profitability and sustainability of reuse business models for PV modules.
Lead
SENS eRecycling
Collaboration
BFH, KWB, Reiling, Helion, CKW
Download deliverables
Economic and ecological aspects of the reuse of photovoltaic systems
Reuse guide for installation companies
Documentation requirements for the transfer of photovoltaic systems for reuse
WP3: Forecasting – Analysis and Forecasting of Material Flows
Goal
Forecasting of volumes up to individual manufacturers of emerging waste streams and their qualitative assessment and interactive visualisation.
Lead
Bern University of Applied Sciences
Collaboration
SENS eRecycling, Swissolar, Meyer Burger, 3S
Download deliverable
Forecasting and visualisation of the end-of-life volume of PV systems (2000-2050) including characteristics and age analysis
WP4: Module tracking – laying the foundations for photovoltaics module tracking at end-of-life
Goal
To develop the basis for module tracking in Switzerland over the entire life cycle and to create the conditions for separate waste streams.
Lead
SENS eRecycling
Collaboration
BFH, Meyer Burger, 3S, Helion
Download deliverable
Requirements for manufacturer-specific collection of photovoltaic modules by the recycling system
WP5: Resale – Market analysis for the resale of 2nd-life photovoltaics modules
Goal
Market assessment and niche search for the sale of tested 2nd-life photovoltaics modules primarily in Switzerland, but also in Europe.
Lead
Bern University of Applied Sciences
Collaboration
Swissolar, Helion, CKW, Reiling, KWB
Download deliverables
Market analysis for second-hand photovoltaic modules
Fact sheet on the legal framework for reuse - in particular export
WP6: Policy recommendations for action – Development and dissemination of policy recommendations for action
Goal
Improvement of the legal framework for the reuse of photovoltaics modules as well as the creation of standards for testing procedures.
Lead
Swissolar
Collaboration
SENS eRecycling, BFH
Download deliverable
Policy Brief of the Swiss PV Circle project for the attention of politicians
WP7: Communication – Dissemination of project findings through publications and events
Goal
To disseminate the findings as widely as possible and to position SwissPVcircleas a flagship project of the solar industry and the circular economy.
Lead
SENS eRecycling
Collaboration
Swissolar, BFH, Helion, CKW, Meyer Burger, 3S, Reiling, KWB
WP8: Project management
Goal
Planning and organisation of project meetings and timely submission of findings to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
Lead
Bern University of Applied Sciences
Collaboration
Swissolar, SENS eRecycling, Helion, CKW, Meyer Burger, 3S, Reiling, KWB