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."
Ahmed Kagabo
Customer service photovoltaic
Comprehensive end-of-life concepts
Since the turn of the millennium, this type of power generation has seen significant growth rates across Europe. For around two decades, these systems have made an important contribution to climate protection through clean energy production. We see it as our duty to ensure the sustainability of silicon-based photovoltaic modules even beyond their useful life. As a responsible recycling company, we guarantee the legally compliant disposal of PV modules through comprehensive testing for reuse and/or professional recycling – including proof of recycling. From individual PV modules to complete solar parks: we offer module manufacturers, EPCs, solar park operators, installers, trades, dealers and collection systems comprehensive, economical end-of-life concepts from a single source.
Contact us quickly and easily using our inquiry form and receive a non-binding offer.
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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FAQ photovoltaic recycling
True to the motto: Your questions – our answers! We answer frequently asked questions about the disposal of photovoltaic modules at our PV recycling site in Münster.
You can dispose of silicon-based PV modules and solar collectors (solar thermal energy) at Reiling. These are professionally recycled (in accordance with the ElektroG) at our recycling site in Münster.
Please contact your recycling partner Reiling PV-Recycling! We will be happy to advise you personally.
To provide you with a quote, we require the following information: type of PV modules (data sheet), approximate quantity and whether you would like us to arrange transport to Münster.
You can quickly and easily request a non-binding quote using our contact form.
We offer you individual and needs-based transport solutions for your used solar modules. As standard, the PV modules are stacked on pallets and collected by a freight forwarder. However, transport via roll-off containers, loose via tipper trailers or via tipper trailers with grab arms is also possible. Depending on the distance, local conditions and effort involved, we will find the most cost-effective solution.
We are happy to collect your used PV modules on request. We have an extensive transport network throughout Germany and will find a reliable solution.
Yes, there are costs associated with recycling solar modules. In the commercial sector, these costs are paid by the last owner.
Yes! You will receive a legally compliant disposal certificate from us. Thanks to our certification as an initial treatment facility in accordance with the ElektroG (WEEE Directive), we are authorised to issue disposal certificates.
No! This is because the removal of aluminium frames and cables is already considered initial treatment (EBA certificate required).
Yes, in principle, you can dispose of associated inverters, cabling and substructures in addition to solar modules. We are currently unable to accept battery storage systems (other permits required).
The dismantling of PV modules is not directly part of our range of services, but we can arrange this through subcontractors if required.
Yes!
Yes! The recycling of photovoltaic modules is regulated by the European WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). According to this directive, used PV modules must be tested and reused or recycled.
As a business owner, you are responsible for finding a recycling partner.
Feel free to contact us!
Definitely yes! Silicon-based solar modules can be professionally recycled at Reiling PV-Recycling in Münster. The recyclable materials from old PV modules are recovered using a specially developed and specialised recycling plant. For example, we return glass, silicon, aluminium, conductors (tinned copper) and cables to the respective industries.
Solar modules can be recycled. The company Reiling PV-Recycling has developed a purely mechanical recycling process. After the PV modules have been shredded, the individual materials are separated from each other and discharged using their physical properties. The individual secondary raw materials are of high quality and are then returned to the processing industries.
For commercial quantities of used solar modules, please contact our subsidiary Reiling PV-Recycling, which has a photovoltaic recycling site in Münster. Here, we recycle silicon-based PV modules professionally and on an industrial scale using innovative recycling processes.
We are also happy to coordinate transport to Münster for you if you do not wish to deliver the modules yourself.
As a private individual, you can take your old PV modules to the recycling centre free of charge in normal household quantities.
As a business, you are responsible as the last owner for disposing of them at a recycling facility. At Reiling PV-Recycling in Münster, you can conveniently obtain a comprehensive solution: from transport to efficient recycling with a disposal certificate.
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!