How is the disposal of solar modules (panels) in European countries

Photovoltaic systems provide clean electricity for an average of 25 to 30 years before homeowners have to dispose of solar modules. But how does it actually happen? Are photovoltaic modules hazardous waste or can they be recycled?

Reasons for dismantling and disposal of photovoltaic modules

Like many other devices and systems, solar energy systems are subject to natural aging processes. Over time, efficiency decreases, and systems turn less and less sunlight into useful electricity. On average, after 25-30 years, the efficiency is so low that homeowners have to dispose of solar modules and replace them with new ones.

But aging is not the only reason. Because even in the event of a malfunction or after a fire, they must dispose of their photovoltaic modules. The same applies to homeowners who do not want to continue operating worn-out systems, and to manufacturers who dispose of defective solar modules - the latter usually immediately after production.

Disposal of solar modules: step-by-step explanation of the process

If the old systems have fallen into disrepair, you can take them to the nearest recycling center for free. How it works can be explained in three simple steps.

Step 1. Dismantle the old and faulty solar modules.

Before disposing of photovoltaic modules, their components must be properly removed from the roof. It is especially important not to damage them here. Because it creates a high risk of injury by broken glass. Toxins such as lead or cadmium can get into the environment, and solar modules can no longer be completely recycled.

Step 2. Take the photovoltaic modules to the recycling center.

As in the case of dismantling, when disposing of solar modules, several points should be taken into account:

1. Avoid damage due to professional and careful transportation.
2. Inform the recycling center by phone that you want to transfer the modules.
3. Ask for a receipt for the disposal of old photovoltaic modules.

If you have more than 40 modules on the roof or outdoors, and you want to dispose of them, specialized companies can help you. They organize professional dismantling and recycling of solar modules.

Step 3. Collection and recycling of solar modules.

The disposed photovoltaic modules are stored in the recycling center until they are picked up by specialized companies. The latter take care that most of the solar modules are recycled, and the remaining waste is minimal. This works very well in Germany and the EU - in general, more than 90 percent of the components of photovoltaic modules can be disposed of by recycling.

Solar modules: recycling more than 90 percent of components

The European WEEE directive requires that at least 80 percent of solar modules can be reused by recycling. Today, innovative technologies and processes go even further: they reach a recycling rate of more than 90 percent. For this purpose, specialized companies first conduct an examination. Then they separate the individual components of glass, silicon and aluminum and introduce them into their own material cycles. Only the plastics contained in it cannot be completely reused and therefore end up in incinerators. Spielen Sie Online Casinospiele auf einer der führenden Online Casinoseiten der Schweiz. Wir bieten eine große Auswahl an Online Casinospielen, Spielautomaten, Tisch und Kartenspielen, Live Dealer Spielen sowie Sportwetten. https://www.swisscasino24.com/ Unsere Sportwetten bieten eine große Auswahl an Sportwetten und Quoten und sind 24 Stunden am Tag, 7 Tage die Woche für Wetten vor oder während des Spiels verfügbar. Egal, ob Sie sich für die größten Fußballturniere wie die Weltmeisterschaft und die Premier League wir kümmern uns um Ihre Wetten.