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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.

The completely digital and collaborative workshop not only focussed on procurement locations, sales markets and customers, but also discussed the various forms of business models in more detail. The focus here was on the technical and logistical challenges of reusing PV modules. At the workshop, the various approaches to testing PV modules were also discussed in more detail and experiences were exchanged.

When it came to testing in particular, it became clear that although many organisations test in a similar way, no standard has yet been established. The same was also evident in the warranty services that the organisations offer their customers.

It is pleasing to note that various calculations by the participating organisations showed that the use of reused PV modules has a positive effect on the environment compared to newly produced PV modules. This can be seen in CO2 emissions as well as in other metrics. Finally, aspects of a platform for bringing supply and demand together were also discussed. Topics such as data standards, platform access and ownership were discussed.

The results of the workshop are now being incorporated into the various work packages of the Swiss PV Circle and will strengthen efforts to establish the reuse of PV modules in Switzerland.

The workshop took place on 17 July 2024.

The organisations taking part in the workshop were Baywa r.e. with Daniela Ariolli, Zonnext and Niels van Olffen, 2nd Cycle with Simon Schuppenlehner and Simon Prüller, 2ndlifesolar and Christine Klos, Reiling with Malte Fislake, Soren with Nicolas Defrenne, Solreed with Luc Federzoni and Matthieu Verdon, Innoboost with Christiaan Kraaijenhagen, Resolar with Matt Burnell and from Swiss PV Circle Fabio Giddey (Swissolar), Ässia Boukhatmi, Roger Nyffenegger and Stefan Grösser (all BFH), Michael Gasser (Volutio) and Pasqual Zopp (SENS eRecycling).

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