Swiss PV Circle: Reuse of used photovoltaic modules
The Swiss PV Circle project looked at the challenge of how used photovoltaic modules can be reused and repurposed in Switzerland. It found that around half of the modules that are dismantled and sent for recycling still have enough output for further use.
But improper dismantling, lack of knowledge regarding their condition and low demand often prevent effective reuse.
The aim of the project was to investigate the possibilities and limits of extending the lifespan of PV modules. To do this, a database of all PV systems and modules in operation in Switzerland was created and used as the basis for making predictions about the quantity and composition of future decommissioning channels. An analysis of the legal framework and surveys of various donors and users identified obstacles to successful reuse. The technical assessment and the cost-effectiveness of reuse, including potential business models, were examined in detail in two pilot projects.
The findings have been incorporated into practical materials, such as a fact sheet on the export of used photovoltaic modules, a reuse guide for installers, and a set of policy recommendations for promoting the reuse of PV modules.
Among other insights, the project found that reusing PV modules is technically feasible, but often not economically viable. Current technology requires testing each individual module before reuse, which is a key cost factor. In many, but not all cases, reuse has a smaller environmental impact than the creation of a new system. The policy recommendations therefore aim to promote reuse by creating financial incentives and reducing administrative and operational hurdles.