Challenge completedInnovative Solutions for Extended Life of PV Modules
Millions of photovoltaic modules are going to reach the end of their proposed lifespan in close or midterm future, but many are still functional. You are challenged to come up with innovative solutions to evaluate the functionality of these modules and propose concepts for a second life- or re-use. Join forces with SOLARIMO to improve the efficiency and lifetime of PV modules and build a more circular energy industry.
In the following you will find some helpful background informationto steer your solution in the right direction.
Knowledge Base
Today, large-scale plants commissioned before 2015 incur costs of around €4 per module (less the value of the aluminum) for the operators - and the trend is upward due to rising logistics costs. There are no costs for private customers (in this case, however, for the municipalities, which are responsible for the recycling centers). In all cases, however, recycling would offer customer benefits in terms of sustainability.
The market is to be distinguished into:
- Modules from private customers (20 - 30 units): Here the market for a recycler is the municipal recycling centers, which could award the service via tenders (not relevant)
- Operators of PV systems with commissioning before 2015
- Manufacturers of PV systems who are obligated to take back (free of charge) systems commissioned after 2015
Overall, the addition around the year 2000 (relevant from 2030) was about 100 MW (400,000 modules at a power of 250 W) and reaches in the 2010s (relevant from 2040) with strong fluctuations about 4,000 MW (about 15 million modules at 300 W)
Assumed value of raw materials per module: 10 €
Development of the annual installed capacity of photovoltaic systems