Photovoltaic modules

General

Austrian solar power generation has almost doubled since 2020 and is set to triple again by 2030. Even PV modules have an expiration date. If they are damaged, such as by heavy winds or hail, if they reach the end of their useful life of 20 to 30 years, or if more powerful modules are desired, they are replaced. Only small quantities are currently being returned; around 12 tons of PV modules were collected in 2022.

Manufacturers, importers or dealers must take back the modules if they replace them with new modules. PV modules legally count as commercial appliances. They therefore do not have to be taken back by all collection points, nor do they have to be taken back free of charge.

To avoid injury from electric shock and damage to the PV modules, the modules should only be disassembled or replaced by authorized specialist companies. If the modules are still intact, they can be reused as a complete component. Many of the PV modules that currently accumulate as waste electrical equipment are still functional and can be reused (see www.solartester.eu).

PV modules may also contain hazardous components and substances, including cadmium and lead, and must therefore be handled properly by an authorized specialist company.

Recovery of raw materials

The following table shows the mass composition and value of the materials recovered during the recycling process. The data given here comes from an evaluation by SOLAR-MATERIALS GmbH (see www.solar-materials.com). One key to recycling PV modules as cost-effectively as possible is the recovery of silver. It is estimated that around 11% of global silver production is currently used for the manufacture of PV modules. The recycling of PV modules is an exciting new field for innovative companies, and the technical possibilities in this area are currently developing very rapidly (see www.solar-materials.com, www.rosi-solar.com).

Materials recovered from PV modules by mass and value (Source: SOLAR MATERIALS)

Breakdown of output portions by mass and value – PV modules (Source: SOLAR MATERIALS)