Riding the Wave: Opportunities and Constraints to Reuse and Resale of Photovoltaic PV Modules in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a solar boom that has never been experienced before. Driven by the private sector investment in solar PV, also referred to as embedded generation. South Africa imported a record $947 million or R17.5 billion worth of solar cells and modules in 2023, a 213% increase on 2022 and the highest annual value of imports of solar products in the country's history. Although end-of-commercial life is still many years away for the majority of modules, the increase in installations and imports means the number of modules with early-life failures during transportation, installation, or poor quality is likely to increase. Using a Circular Economy approach, reuse is the preferred End-of-Life (EOL) activity, as it is a higher-value alternative to recycling. Understanding how to position PV module reuse so as not to over-regulate the market, thereby stifling business and job creation, but also ensuring consumer safety and quality, is a key concern. Survey questionnaires and key informant interviews were undertaken with actors along the South African PV module and e-waste value chains. The study identified the need for appropriate testing services and the support of the insurance industry, government, retailers and consumer protection organisations to support a second-hand market. Challenges include a lack of information across the value chain on end-of-life requirements, cheaper imports, poor waste collection systems and a lack of cooperation between the e-waste and solar PV value chains.