Presentation on the ‘Swiss PV Circle’ project at Sustainable Solar Europe 2024

At this year's Sustainable Solar Europe 2024 conference in Brussels, Roger Nyffenegger, PhD student at Bern University of Applied Sciences and Maastricht University, presented insights from the Swiss PV Circle project and discussed them with international experts on a panel.

The conference brings together experts from the solar industry, scientists, political decision-makers and other interested parties to shed light on key sustainability issues in the photovoltaic sector. Various sessions dealt with topics such as the carbon footprint of PV modules, transparency in the supply chain, recycling, biodiversity in PV systems and the reuse of modules.

In the session ‘Prolonging the Lifetime of Solar PV through Module Reuse’, Roger Nyffenegger discussed the development of the market for the reuse of PV modules with Nicolas Defrenne (Managing Director Soren, France), Stefan Wippich (Managing Director SecondSol GmbH, Germany) and Jérémie Aimé (Laboratory Manager CEA, France). Challenges and potentials along the entire value chain were highlighted: from dismantling, testing and transport to the installation of 2nd-life modules.

A key point of discussion was that low prices for new modules are currently putting the market for reused modules under strong pressure. Nevertheless, the experts expect a trend reversal that could make 2nd-life modules more attractive again. The players see potential for optimisation above all in the automation of test procedures, the optimisation of logistics and greater digitalisation. The panellists also emphasised the need for uniform test standards across Europe and a central exchange of information.

Confidence in the safety and performance of 2nd-life modules must also be strengthened. Soren in France, for example, is working on certification for reused modules. Roger Nyffenegger explained that many of these aspects also concern the Swiss PV Circle project. The aim of the project is to establish the reuse of PV modules in Switzerland. Technical, economic and sustainable feasibility is being analysed in pilot projects. Final results of the project are expected in spring 2025.

Sustainable Solar Europe 2024 took place on 12 December in Brussels.

Workshop on the reuse of photovoltaic modules with international participation

At the workshop organised by Swiss PV Circle on the reuse of photovoltaic modules (PV modules), experts from Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the UK and the Netherlands discussed possible sources of end-of-life PV modules as well as sales markets and customers.

Presentation on "ML-based End-of-Life Forecasting for Reuse of PV Modules in Switzerland" at Electronics Goes Green 2024+

Electronics Goes Green 2024+ is an important meeting of researchers, policy makers and business players from the electronics and ICT industries. Its aim is to promote sustainability in these industries. As part of the Swiss PV Circle, Ässia Boukhatmi from Bern University of Applied Sciences presented the topic "ML-based End-of-Life Forecasting for Reuse of PV Modules in Switzerland" to an interested international audience.

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Workshop on the reuse of photovoltaic modules with international participation

Presentation on "ML-based End-of-Life Forecasting for Reuse of PV Modules in Switzerland" at Electronics Goes Green 2024+