The ecological footprint of modules - why it's becoming more important
Eco-friendliness is a growing consumer consideration when investing in renewable energy, especially for solar modules. Millions are produced every year and a huge amount of base energy and natural resources go into their making – and that is just the start of their life. After their operational service life, these modules are then discarded raising questions about end-of-life treatment.
In this upcoming pv magazine webinar, Agnieszka Schulze, Chairperson CSR & Head of Global PR of the module manufacturer REC Group, will show how an example value chain of premium solar module can look. Indeed, for several years now, REC has been implementing sustainability strategies in its production, starting with polysilicon and going all the way through the production value chain.
Having already eliminated lead solder joints in its Alpha Pure series, REC has introduced further sustainable improvements in its new Alpha Pure-R modules. Neil Edwards, Senior Technical Communications Manager at REC, says, “Despite the photovoltaic industry’s exception from RoHS in the use of lead and other substances, REC believes that such harmful toxins should no longer be used in electrical equipment. We are already taking our responsibility for a clean environment for future generations in hand and are showing that modules without harmful substances such as lead is possible.”
The performance of the new module generation (up to 430 Wp) is also impressive. With an efficiency of 22.3% and a gapless arrangement of the solar cells, REC has improved on the yield that can be obtained from limited roof space.
Together with PV Cycle’s Country Manager Germany, Ullrich Didszun, this upcoming webinar we will look at what happens to modules at the end of their lifecycle.
pv magazine Webinar content:
- REC Alpha becomes “Pure-R”
- Ecological footprint and various influencing factors
- Saving water in module production
- Kerf recycling process
- Lead-free construction
- Recycling – challenges in modules
Questions can be submitted beforehand or during the webinar through a chat window. Becky Beetz from pv magazine will be the moderator of this webinar.
Registration for this pv magazine Webinar is free of charge.