Standardisation Activities on the Reuse of PV Modules in IEC TC82

From environmental point of view, reusing PV modules is preferable above recycling. However, the reuse of decommissioned PV modules is a complex subject. There are concerns about safety, performance, remaining lifetime, financial viability and possible export of modules to countries without PV recycling. The first 3 concerns should be addressed by standardising the requirements for reuse of PV modules. Therefore, a new IEC project team was created end of 2021 to prepare a Technical Report (TR). A TR is not normative but can be used to develop future Technical Specifications and/or Standards. The goal is to complete it by end of 2024. It has taken quite some time due to the complexity of the subject. In contrast to new modules, used ones have been subjected to different operating conditions and can have a variety of defects. In addition, the testing of the modules should be sufficient but also limited to remain feasible. For “modules on a pile” in a warehouse testing every module will be required, while a more efficient approach based on sampling of modules might be feasible for an intact existing plant. The TR discusses both approaches, with the intention to develop two separate standards later on.