R2v3 Adds Solar Panel Recycling Certification

Goals to decarbonize energy production rely heavily on solar power as policy changes require renewable energy and the technology continues to be competitive with many traditional energy sources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 75% of the United States’ 100 gigawatts of photovoltaic capacity has been installed in the past 5 years. Since solar panels have an estimated lifespan of 25 to 35 years, most panels that have been produced are currently in use.

Solar power is already a clean energy alternative, but action must be taken to reduce the environmental impacts of disposal at end of life. Photovoltaic modules are estimated to make up 12% of the volume of electronic waste in the U.S. by 2050.

To prepare for this massive increase in solar waste, a few strategies are critical. Panels should be tested and repaired if possible, to extend their useful life and even give them new purposes after removal from larger systems. When panels finally must be disposed of there will have to be recycling streams capable of handling the large volumes that are already being produced. To this end the organization that administers the R2v3 certification, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI,) has added photovoltaic recycling to its certification standards as an optional addition.

Appendix G of the R2 certification program will become mandatory for R2 recyclers that are handling solar waste in January 2027. Until then, resources for understanding the requirements and preparing for the new certification will be available to certified facilities. As a material stream, PV modules are likely to pose significant challenges and require novel solutions to economically handle the volume. CEAR continues to stay ahead of changes to e-waste material streams and is committed to finding efficient and sustainable solutions.