It is undeniable that solar panels are indispensable in the energy transition. Generating solar power helps reduce CO2 emissions. However, the production of solar panels also needs to improve. The National Circular Economy Program (NPCE) must ensure that in the future we will only use circular solar panels to obtain our solar energy.
Earlier this year, State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen of Infrastructure and Water Management presented a program outlining various measures to use raw materials more efficiently in the coming years, thereby accelerating the transition to a circular economy. The National Circular Economy Programme (NPCE) focuses on four points: reducing the use of raw materials, replacing them with cleaner products, extending their lifespan and high-quality processing. Solar panels have also been included in the NPCE.
Circular PV systems
Unfortunately, producing solar panels without any impact on the environment is not possible. Most solar panels contain silicon, a mineral that requires a lot of energy to produce and causes greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the production process also requires environmentally harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead. When dismantling and recycling the solar panels, these substances can leak into the environment.
Fortunately, it is possible to reduce these polluting substances. The NPCE has a separate chapter devoted to circular PV systems. In addition to the solar panel, such a PV system includes a mounting system, inverters, control and cabling. And those too need to be recycled.
Extend, non-harmful and high-quality processing
The NPCE focuses on three circularity goals to make the solar energy sector cleaner. Firstly, the economic life of the current and new generation of solar panels and their associated components must be extended. Today’s solar panels can last up to 25 years. Secondly, all newly produced solar panels must be free of harmful substances such as PFAS, cadmium and lead. The third circularity goal is that solar panels that can no longer do their job properly are processed in a ‘high-quality circular’ manner.
One of the NPCE’s measures to achieve effective circulation is the development of a circular “product passport” for PV systems, which will make all materials traceable in their supply chain by 2030. This makes it possible to collect the solar panels, inverters, cabling and substructure and process them in an environmentally friendly way.
What is Cradle to Cradle?
In order to process a product in a high-quality circular manner, it is very helpful if this has already been taken into account in the production process. Cradle to Cradle is a sustainability model that designs products and materials for reuse. The model looks at all aspects of a product: the materials used, the way it is produced, and its destination after its life cycle. This model can also be applied to PV systems. The aim is to preserve the value of products and materials from which the solar panels are made. This minimizes the impact on the environment.
Choose sustainably produced!
Parties that adhere to this sustainability model receive a Cradle to Cradle certificate. Our partner Solarwatt obtained this certificate for all solar panels produced in Dresden. This supplier is one of the few with this certificate; only two other solar panel manufacturers worldwide have current Cradle to Cradle certification.
PFAS the new asbestos?
An important reason to invest in solar panels is to reduce your ecological footprint. It is therefore even more important to choose solar panels that have been produced as sustainably as possible. The plastic film of glass-foil panels contains PFAS, which some call ‘the new asbestos’. The European Union wants to phase out PFAS in the coming years. That is why at SolarQ we prefer to opt for glass-glass panels. Compared to glass-foil panels, the payback period for glass-glass panels is longer. However, calculated over the lifespan, the yield of these more sustainably produced panels is higher. Glass-glass panels last twice as long. In addition, glass-glass panels offer excellent product and performance guarantees.
Want to know more?
We are happy to help you! Will you join us in taking the step toward a sunny future? Meet our Solar Energy Officer.
Other energy issues
PowerQ is there for all your energy issues. Curious about what we can do for you? Please contact one of our advisors. We would be happy to tell you more about the possibilities of a purchasing strategy that suits your organization.
