In respond to the transformation of energy development, Taiwan is dedicated to enhancing the green energy development. The Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction, EY invited the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to call a meeting to discuss the promotion and division of labor for the waste photovoltaic (PV) panels recycling mechanism, and it was decided that the EPA should formulate the mechanism for the waste PV modules recycling and disposal. Therefore, according to the ”Waste PV recycling and disposal work plan” approved by EPA, this plan handle on-site institute visitation, select proper institutions, set up consultation line and updating answering database, in order to recycle the future decommissioned PV properly. In order to improve the recycling and disposal system of waste solar photovoltaic panels, this plan has conducted on-site visitations to learn about waste PV treatment institutes and those who are willing to invest in treatment in the future, to track their treatment technologies and derivative waste flow. In addition, due to the promotion of high-value reuse of treated derivatives (waste glass), our team also visited waste glass recycling institutions to ensure the appropriateness of their flow. Last but not least, according to the current waste volume, our team consider factors such as geographical distribution of the case site, the amount of discharges, and the capacity of treatment institute, plan the best cleaning route. A consultation line was set up during the project, it provides people a service to contact and understand the recycling system, and also includes trouble shooting and updating answering database. In addition, 2 seminars have been held in order to strengthen the knowledge of the recycling information. For proper recycling and disposal of waste PV panels, the producers, after registering through the above-mentioned system, have been assisted by our project office to contract with the disposal firm for the disposal date and audit work. Totally, 1,431 pieces (approximately 29 tons) have been cleaned during the project, and pay the grant to treatment institute according to the audit report, which EPA approved.

Waste photovoltaic panels, Recycling and disposal system, Institute visitation