Methods to attain a sustainable future in end of life management for solar panels

Graduation Date

2014

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.B.A.)--Humboldt State University, Business Administration, 2014

Committee Chair Name

David Sleeth-Keppler

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Solar energy, Recycling, End of life management, Cradle to cradle, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Business, Sustainability, Supply chain implications, Solar regulations, Solar waste, First solar, PV cycle

Abstract

The United States has in the past 10 years pursued renewable energy to reduce emissions and to diminish our reliance on coal, natural gas, and of course oil. Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems have been leading the way to attain the goals that were set, compiling over 13 gigawatts (13 billion watts) installed since 2006. With the necessary increase in solar energy, a natural alarm is raised regarding the implications that panels present once they have reached their end of life (EOL). This paper identifies main solar panels that are used today and the implications that each has in regards to recycling at EOL. Additional aspects affecting EOL management include consumer expectations and rigorous product take-back regulations that force companies to consider EOLM. Many manufacturers and third-party recyclers have already taken an initiative to introduce state of the art recycling programs, setting the stage for the PV industry. With each panel design comes a different recycling process, material recovery, and ultimately price. By analyzing the different panels and procedures that recyclers and manufacturers have in place, I created a model to recognize the paths available for newcomers. Each path has its own set of implications that will need to be assessed by management to generate the optimal product take-back program for the company.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/mg74qp53n

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