Investigating the Technical Reuse Potential of Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules with Regard to a Recycling Alternative

Anna Katharina Schnatmann (), Tobi Reimers, Erik Hüdepohl, Jonah Umlauf, Pia Kleinebekel, Fabian Schoden and Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp
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Anna Katharina Schnatmann: Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Tobi Reimers: Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Erik Hüdepohl: Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Jonah Umlauf: Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Pia Kleinebekel: Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Fabian Schoden: Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp: Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Photovoltaics (PV) is a key pillar of renewable energy supply. However, the climate and resource crisis make it necessary to implement further optimizations toward a circular economy in the PV industry. One strategy for saving resources and lowering carbon dioxide emissions is the reuse of modules (second-life PV). As part of this work, various tests were carried out with crystalline modules from two different manufacturers. The modules had already been transported to a recycling company and were originally intended for recycling. The measurements carried out provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the PV modules. In total, five different measurement methods were used, two of which related to short-term measurements under controlled laboratory conditions and three to long-term assessments under real conditions. The investigation illustrated that modules from the recycling company have potential for reuse. However, it also showed that a clearly differentiated classification system is necessary due to module age- and environmental conditions-related degradation. Qualification and further long-term measurements should be implemented using a combination of measurement methods.

Keywords: circular economy; crystalline photovoltaics; degradation; quality management; reuse; second-life PV; electroluminescence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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