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The global circular economy considers interactions between sectors, nations, and global systems. Electricity is an essential and universal element in a successful economy, and implications for the electric power industry are wide-ranging, affecting the choice and lifecycle management of the fuels and equipment necessary for electric power production, transmission, distribution, and consumption. In the transition to renewable energy, which includes significant deployment of solar photovoltaics, there are unique considerations to promote efficient and sustainable use of resources that can help improve material security, as well as environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

The present work is a continuation of our research studies published at the IEEE PVSC in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 and 2019, we reported mechanical cutting and waterjet cutting methods, respectively, to remove samples from PV modules for TCLP (Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure) testing. Based on the encouraging results obtained in the waterjet cutting method with lower variability in the TCLP results, we have now extended our waterjet cutting and toxicity testing efforts: to confirm if chemical leaching or contamination occurs during the waterjet sample removal process; to include the thin-film technologies to explore new avenues which could reduce the complexity of the current waterjet procedure; to compare TCLP results between fresh and field-aged modules; and to eventually develop a database for TCLP test results.

This study reviews publicly available decommissioning plans prepared to support development and permitting of U.S. solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, as well as relevant state and federal policy and regulation. Common plan elements, preliminary cost estimates, and forms of surety used in protecting landowner and public interests are described. Uncertainties in decommissioning planning and cost estimation revolve around the cost and availability of PV module reuse, recycling, and disposal options. Opportunities for reducing costs and risks are identified.

With an expected surge in photovoltaic (PV) module waste volumes in the coming decades, best practices must be established for responsible PV end-of-life management, including project decommissioning and module collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal. The paper introduces key factors that may influence asset management decisions and module recycling and disposal practices, including performance, module composition and construction, policy and regulation, emerging recycling technologies, and environmental and economic considerations. The current state of knowledge is presented, based on recent EPRI studies and information collected from module recyclers, waste management companies, landfill operators, and utility and PV industry practitioners.

The present work is a continuation of a research study published at the IEEE PVSC 2018. Last year we investigated crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) module toxicity testing results using the Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method for four different mechanical sample removal approaches: coring, cell cut, strip cut and hybrid. Our previous results showed considerable variability, in particular with the amount of lead in the module, due to differences between these sample removal approaches. In the present work, use of a nonmechanical sample removal approach using a waterjet machine has been explored. Twenty-four samples were extracted by waterjet from twelve PV modules—three different manufacturers and four modules per manufacturer. Each of the test samples was tested with the TCLP method by two independent testing laboratories. This paper reports that the variability of the TCLP test results can be significantly reduced using the waterjet method as compared to the previously reported mechanical methods.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations must be properly dismantled and any waste treated and disposed of at the end of project life. However, because most of the world's nearly 400 GW of PV systems have been built in the past decade - each expected to operate for between 20 and 30 years—current PV module waste volumes do not yet justify widespread operation of PV recycling facilities. In anticipation of increasing demand however, several recycling companies are evaluating the PV waste market to assess waste-volume growth. Others are pursuing research- and pilot-stage PV module recycling activities. The latter are mostly commercial laminated glass and metal recyclers that process batches of PV modules on a periodic basis. This report describes a recent survey-based evaluation of existing commercial and pilot-scale recycling processes in Europe, and associated life cycle inventory data.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment has grown exponentially since the early 2000s. Installed PV modules pose practically no health or environmental risks. However, the potential leaching of toxic chemicals and materials from broken end-of-life landfilled modules could pose health or environmental risks. As per existing EPA 1311 regulations, PV modules are categorized as general waste and are subjected to a Toxicity Characterization Leaching Procedure (TCLP) to determine if they contain any toxic metals that can possibly leach into the landfill. Depending on the toxicity result, modules may be classified as (1) universal waste, or as (2) hazardous waste. Currently, there is no standard procedure to remove samples from PV modules for chemical toxicity testing in the laboratories. In this paper, four different removal methods are presented along with their influence on the variability of toxicity test results for five different module manufacturers.