Photovoltaics - testing for reuse & recycling
"New approaches are required to recover rare and valuable raw materials from discarded photovoltaic modules. We are rising to this challenge."
Holistic end-of-life concepts
This type of power generation has shown large growth rates throughout Europe since the turn of the millennium. The plants can make an important contribution to climate protection by clean energy generation for approximately two decades. We consider it our duty to ensure sustainability of silicon-based photovoltaic modules beyond their period of use. As a responsible recycling company, we ensure legally compliant disposal of PV modules through comprehensive testing for reuse and/or recycling - including recycling certificates. From individual PV modules to complete solar parks: we offer module manufacturers, EPCs, solar park operators, installers, businesses, dealers and collection systems holistic, economical end-of-life concepts from a single source.
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Environmentally sound collection
Two main challenges arise with regard to the end of the product life cycle when photovoltaic modules have reached the end of their service life: Legally compliant collection as well as sorted return of the valuable module components. We dedicate ourselves to this task with great commitment and the highest level of professional know-how based on more than fifteen years of experience in photovoltaics recycling. At Germany's first pure PV recycling site - Münster - the PV modules undergo testing for reuse and/or recycling. In addition to Münster, there are four further ElektroG-certified sites where we accept all types of silicon-based photovoltaic modules: Torgau, Osterweddingen, and Marienfeld.
Testing for reuse
The majority of installed PV modules are still intact after more than 10 years of use, albeit with significantly reduced performance. Therefore, in the case of an economic solar park repowering, for example, the reuse route is preferable to recycling in order to conserve resources.
As the first part of our individually tailored EOL concepts, we guarantee our customers a comprehensive and reliable testing for reuse of their optically undamaged PV modules. In addition to legal compliance, the economic incentive is convincing, as is the receipt of a test report for each tested module. In addition, depending on the recycling route, corresponding recycling certificates are issued, which certify our customers a professional recycling and release them from any legal obligations.
Our testing process
After visual inspection of each individual module, undamaged modules are subjected to comprehensive technical testing using various test methods. The test includes a power measurement with TÜV-certified flasher (determination of residual module power), an electroluminescence test to detect and evaluate microcracks in the solar cells and further tests to ensure electrical safety (diode test, HiPot test, grounding test). Depending on the test result, the modules are then reused as second-life modules or also recycled. In this way, we offer commercial customers in particular, such as module manufacturers and solar park operators of all sizes, a convenient, economical and legally compliant disposal solution.
Highest standards in reprocessing
Highly specialised solutions are required to ensure that all components of a photovoltaic module are separated by type. We rise to the challenge of efficiently separating the materials that are firmly bonded together in the module. As a certified primary treatment facility, we ensure best results in recycling of photovoltaic modules in cooperation with reliable partners. Preparation takes place in several steps in this process to ensure compliance with the highest quality standards. Shredding follows on primary treatment; the materials are prepared and separated for return to the recyclable material cycle in the main process step.
Highest quality recyclates
The main component of PV modules is glass. It is the main secondary raw material recovered. Other materials, such as aluminium, will also be optimally recycled and returned to high-quality applications. Continuous further development of the recycling processes and cutting-edge sorting techniques allow us to meet the high demands placed on the secondary raw materials obtained. Our end products are glass (fine grain), silicon, glass (coarse grain), busbars (tinned copper) and aluminum. With us you close the loop!
Efficient. Resource-saving. Environmentally friendly.
As an experienced recycling company, we meet the challenge of an environmentally friendly collection of end-of-life PV modules and their exploitation. In doing so, we attach great importance to the best possible compliance with the waste hierarchy - first reuse, then recycling. Only when reuse is not possible do we pursue the recycling of the valuable components contained in the PV modules. Expertise and years of experience as well as cutting-edge processing facilities and cooperation with reliable partners ensure best results. We are certified to ElektroG in three locations in Germany: Münster, Torgau and Osterweddingen and accept all types of silicon-based PV modules. We also take care of the quantity reports for you, and you will receive the corresponding recycling certificates.
Click here for our PV recycling brochure.
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Your disposal solution – Reiling
A competent and cooperative partnership is very important to us. Therefore, our employees will also be available to you on site with their expertise as contacts across the field of professional disposal and documentation. We keep on developing our high standards to meet future requirements. We are also actively involved in various research projects and cooperate with partners to keep improving our reprocessing methods. This way, we will be able to stay your strong and reliable partner in photovoltaics recycling in future as well!