Ramping up for the clean energy boom

Here’s how North America’s first utility-scale solar recycling plant is ramping up for the clean energy boom

We Recycle Solar, which is permitted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle hazardous secondary materials that come from solar panels, removes, decommissions, recycles, and processes the panels for reuse.

Founded in August 2019, the company has recycled or remarketed more than 500,000 end-of-life solar panels to date, diverting 23 million pounds of hazardous solar panel waste from landfills. It says its 75,000-square-foot Yuma, Arizona, factory currently has the capacity to process 7,500 modules, or 345,000 pounds, for recycling and reuse in a day and 69 million pounds in a single year…

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We Recycle Solar Expands Arizona Facility

We Recycle Solar Expands Arizona Facility

Yuma, Ariz. (May 15, 2023) — We Recycle Solar, Inc., North America’s first vertically-integrated organization specializing in the recycling and remarketing of excess, damaged, and end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, has expanded its Yuma, Ariz.-based operation to tackle the growing environmental challenge of solar panel waste.

In 2016, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that cumulative solar panel waste volume would reach up to 1 million tons globally by 2030, and 78 million tons by 2050, based on an average PV lifespan of 30 years.  However, as early solar panel replacement becomes more and more widespread, discarded solar panels are flooding U.S. landfills—where they can contaminate soil and groundwater with toxic heavy metals and carcinogens including arsenic, lead and cadmium—at rates that far outpace previous forecasts…

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We Recycle Solar Scale Launch of Yuma Facility

WE RECYCLE SOLAR, INC. EXPANDS OPERATION, MEETS CHALLENGES OF GROWING PV WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS WITH FULL-SCALE LAUNCH OF YUMA, ARIZONA FACILITY

Utility-scale PV recycling plant boasts highest processing capacity in the nation

Yuma, Ariz. (April 28, 2023) – We Recycle Solar, Inc., North America’s first vertically-integrated organization specializing in the recycling and remarketing of excess, damaged, and end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, has expanded its Yuma, Ariz.-based operation to tackle the growing environmental challenge of solar panel waste.

In 2016, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that cumulative solar panel waste volume would reach up to 1 million tons globally by 2030, and 78 million tons by 2050, based on an average PV lifespan of 30 years.  However, as early solar panel replacement becomes more and more widespread,  

discarded solar panels are flooding U.S. landfills—where they can contaminate soil and groundwater with toxic heavy metals and carcinogens including arsenic, lead and cadmium—at rates that far outpace previous forecasts.

Headquartered in Yuma, Ariz., We Recycle Solar specializes in the highly-technical task of solar panel removal, decommissioning, recycling, and processing for reuse and is the nation’s only solar recycler fully permitted by the federal EPA to handle hazardous secondary materials generated by solar panels.

Founded in August 2019 by a team of infrastructure and environmental entrepreneurs, We Recycle Solar has recycled or remarketed more than 500,000 end-of-life solar panels to date, diverting 23 million pounds of hazardous solar panel waste from landfills.  

Now, with the addition of new lines of machinery and enhanced technology, We Recycle Solar’s full-scale PV recycling plant boasts the highest processing capacity in the nation, with the ability to process panels of every make and model, from any manufacturer, including those that are severely damaged, at a rate of up to 10 panels per minute. 

In a single day, We Recycle Solar’s utility-scale 75,000 sq. ft. Yuma, Ariz. facility has the capacity to process 7,500 modules, or 345,000 pounds, for recycling & reuse, and 69 million pounds in a single year—the weight of roughly 700 Boeing 737 commercial jetswith plans to quadruple capacity to 522 million pounds per year by 2028.   

“Cumulative solar waste is an enormous environmental issue facing our planet, and it could be up to fifty times bigger, and get here five years sooner than previously expected,” said We Recycle Solar CEO Adam Saghei. “We’ve not only increased processing speed and volume capacity enough to tackle roughly 25% of the current national need for recyclingwe’ve also expanded our specialized solar handling teams, resulting in a breakage reduction of up to 30 percent at the time of decommissioning, which significantly increases the amount of PV panels we’re able to repurpose for the resale market.”

“We believe that sustainability in the American energy value chain can only be realized by empowering solar asset owners with a means of harnessing the economic value of their end-of-life panels,” said We Recycle Solar Vice President AJ Orben.  “Our vertically-integrated capabilities, including our full-scale Yuma operation, aim to maximize resource value for all solar chain participants and ultimately position us to incentivize and serve major large-scale businesses for the greatest possible impact.”  

ABOUT WE RECYCLE SOLAR, INC. 

Founded in August 2019 by a team of infrastructure and environmental entrepreneurs, We Recycle Solar, Inc. is North America’s first vertically-integrated organization specialized in the recycling and remarketing of excess, damaged, and end-of-life PV panels.  The nation’s only solar recycler fully permitted by the federal EPA to handle hazardous secondary materials generated by solar panels, We Recycle Solar, has recycled or remarketed more than 500,000 end-of-life solar panels to date, resulting in 23 million pounds of waste diverted from landfills.

With PV panel waste volume expected to top 78 million tons globally in the next 30 years, We Recycle Solar is positioned to build a more resilient renewable energy industry, and improve the solar value chain in the United States to ensure America’s leadership in the clean energy transition, by maximizing resource value for all solar chain participants.  

We Recycle Solar’s industry-leading circular economy model provides solar asset owners with a frictionless means of responsibly disposing of end-of-life PV panels, of every type, make, model and condition, through a full-service solution that is compliant with federal, state and local regulations:  

  • Full-service onsite decommissioning: We Recycle Solar’s specialized team offers complete onsite decommissioning services, including expert removal, shipping, and responsible disposal of end-of-life or damaged PV panels, inverters, racking, and other balance of plant elements.  
  • Proprietary data engine and recycling process: We Recycle Solar built the industry’s first database of every panel’s composition so as to optimize and customize the collection and recycling process for every type of PV panel (e.g. crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS).  
  • Remarketing and resale distribution channels: Whenever possible, We Recycle Solar repairs, refurbishes, and remarkets pre-owned solar panels via direct-to-consumer resale channels and the secondary buyers market so as to maximize resource value while further eliminating landfill waste.   
  • Regulatory and ESG assurance: We Recycle Solar provides environmental and regulatory compliance to asset owners and operators by verifying the collection and disposal of panels, thereby increasing supply chain visibility and data for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting purposes. 

To learn more, please visit www.werecyclesolar.com.

Media Contact

Sarah March

BAY Public Relations

sarah@baypublicrelations.com  

Ohio Solar Panel Recycling

Ohio lies in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is the 7th most populous state in the USA. On average, Ohio receives 178 sunny days per year. This is short of the average annual of 205 sunny days in the USA. However, estimates indicate that Ohio gets nearly as much sunlight as Spain and surpasses Germany’s solar yearly insolation.

In terms of solar production, it occupies the 17th position among all states of the USA. Ohio has been keen to tap its solar potential. It has introduced multiple incentives such as reductions in interest rates, solar renewable energy certificates (SERCs), an ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Federal Solar Tax Credit. Owing to these incentives and rebates, Ohio is expected to make significant leaps in growth rates over the next five years.

The cost of solar energy has reduced significantly over the past few years. Currently, solar panel installation in Ohio ranges from $2.32 to $3.14 per watt. Multiple large retailers in Ohio have opted for solar energy. Renowned names include Assurant, Springfield, OH, Campbell’s Soup and Cincinnati Parks, and Smale Riverfront. Campbell’s Soup has taken the lead by installing a mega power plant of 10 MW capacity at their manufacturing plant located in Napoleon, Ohio.

Solar Friendly Legislation in Ohio

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Ohio introduced its first Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2008. According to the RPS, the contribution of renewable energy to Ohio’s energy mix should be capped at 12.5%.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

Ohio has introduced SERCs to incentivize the production of solar energy financially. For each megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced by the solar system, one SERC will be awarded. One SERC has an estimated cost of $10. Hence, the more energy your system produces, the more financial benefit you can receive.

State-sponsored Interest Rate Reductions

To reduce the cost of solar financing, Ohio has introduced the Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program. You can receive up to a 3 percent reduction on bank loans for financing your solar system through this program.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

This tax credit can help reduce the cost of your solar system significantly. According to this scheme, when you file for income tax, you can receive cashback up to 26% of the total cost of your solar system.

The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Ohio:

  • Solar Installed (MW): 836.6
  • National Ranking: 25th (17th in 2021)
  • Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.78%
  • Solar Jobs: 6,532
  • Solar Companies in State: 205 (84 Manufacturers, 58 Installers/Developers, 63 Others)
  • Total Solar Investment in State: 1.4 billion
  • Prices have fallen 4% over the last five years
  • Growth Projection and Ranking: 5,800 MW over the next five years (ranks 5th)
  • Number Of Installations: 10,442

Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in Ohio

ohio solar panel recycling

Ohio is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put Ohio on a path to achieving energy sufficiency through solar energy.

However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.

If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Ohio, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.

Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Ohio solar panel recycling solutions?

Contact Us

Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight

Solar Panel Recycling in Nebraska

Nebraska is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is blessed with an abundance of natural treasures which include plains, prairies, dunes, and naturally-occurring rock formations. In terms of area, Nebraska is the 16th largest state in the USA.

Nebraska also receives an abundance of sunlight that lies in the range of five to six peak sun hours per day. The western area of the state receives slightly greater sunlight than the eastern side. However, despite being one of the sunniest states, Nebraska has lagged considerably in tapping its true potential for power generation through the use of photovoltaic technology.

In terms of national ranking for solar generation, it occupies 44th position among the 50 US states. A few reasons for this slow progress can be attributed to the fact that the cost of electricity is quite low in Nebraska. It is priced at $0.11/kWh which is two cents lower than the national average cost of electricity. Hence businesses and homeowners don’t view solar systems as being too profitable.

Unlike most states, Nebraska does not have a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which dictates the utilities to source some percentage of electricity from renewable sources of energy. Nebraska also lacks any considerable solar tax exemptions such as sales tax and property tax. Both these tax exemptions incentivize businesses to adopt solar power energy. Their absence also contributes to the low drive for solar energy in Nebraska.

However, Nebraska does have a Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit and customer-friendly Net Metering policy, the details of which are given below:

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

Businesses and homeowners can be reimbursed up to 26% of the total cost of their solar system as a part of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit scheme. This significantly reduces the capital cost of the solar system.

Net Metering Policy

Under the Net Metering policy, utilities are required to credit all surplus energy produced each month to the next bill. Net metering is applicable for solar power systems that have a capacity of 25kW or less.

Solar Rebates

Lincoln Electric System, which is an electric utility company in Nebraska, offers rebates of up to $475 per installed kilowatt. Likewise, some solar manufacturing companies such as LG offer solar rebates up to $600 on their equipment.

However, Nebraska does not have an official and state-sanctioned policy for solar rebates.

The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Nebraska:

  • Solar Installed (MW): 73.6
  • National Ranking: 46th (44th in 2021)
  • Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.21%
  • Solar Jobs: 1,246
  • Solar Companies in State: 26 (3 Manufacturers, 14 Installers/Developers, 9 Others)
  • Total Solar Investment in State: 108 million
  • Prices have fallen 4% over the last 5 years
  • Growth Projection and Ranking: 776 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 37th)
  • Number Of Installations: 1,667

Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in Nebraska

Despite the slow proliferation of solar energy in Nebraska initially, the capacity of installed solar power is increasing gradually. Soon Nebraska will catch up with other states in terms of power generation through photovoltaic systems.

As more solar equipment is installed, it raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.

If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Nebraska, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.

Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Nebraska solar panel recycling solutions?

Contact Us

Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight

Certified Scrap Pv Solar Panel Modules Recycler

Call Us At (480) 482-7050 Or Fill Out The Form Below!

WHAT IS A SCRAP PV SOLAR PANEL MODULE?

Scrap PVs are broken panels that were cut off during the installation process due to customer requests or site conditions but still produce usable electricity.

Many PV panels often break because of the intense pressure from the extreme heat, strong winds, heavy snowfall, or rolling around on the ground. The high-quality ones are usually still useable and can be sold as used solar panels.

The damaged ones can still have valuable components, such as cells and frames. I often see scraps of PV panel modules in the junkyard or at the local recycling center.

A scrap PV solar panel module can come in many different shapes and sizes, and some may still have the ability to produce electricity.

WHAT TO DO WITH MY SCRAP PV SOLAR PANEL MODULES?

There are many different uses for scrap PV panels. One of the most common uses is creating ground coverings or simple flooring. These are often used indoors and out.

Others try to incorporate scrap PV panels into furniture such as countertops, chairs, and other items.

Another way to use a scrap PV is as a charging station. You can make a scrap PV into a mobile phone charging station. All that is needed is to construct a stand and run wires from the solar panel to the phone. There are many different ways, but one of the easier ways would be to use foil.

Two different ways using scrap PV can help the environment. First, using scrap PV panels can help reduce the amount of trash. The less waste in our landfills and the environment, the better off we will be.

Second, using products with solar panels on them means that people are getting more involved with renewable energies and becoming sustainable.

HOW TO RECYCLE SCRAP PV SOLAR PANEL MODULES?

The article is about how to recycle scrap PV solar panel modules. Although it is not exactly a difficult task, it can be difficult at first because of the many things that need to be kept in mind and managed.

Following these tips will have a much easier time repurposing the scrap metal into something new and creative.

You can sell scrap PV power modules as scrap.
I found that many people have a hard time selling solar panels as scrap to recyclers because they are cheap, and people are unsure what can be done with them.

I have personally seen them melted down into handy items such as plastic, aluminum, and cooling fans for computers. However, the most common method for recycling solar panels is selling them as scrap.

The modules must be broken apart. Solar panels are made of one sizeable plastic frame (a substrate). This frame is connected to several smaller circuit boards that contain the wiring connecting the solar cells.

The solar cells are what make electricity out of sunlight. They are generally grouped in strings that connect in series with other lines to form larger modules.

Here are some of the ways you can use to remove the solar panels;

1)Biological methods

  • The simplest way to remove the solar panels from their frame is to break them apart. It happens once the discussions have failed and are heading for landfills.
  • The circuit boards are sometimes made of plastic but will still be able to be de-soldered with a soldering iron and a bit of care. It is important not to damage the soldered paths that carry current for the component to work correctly.

The plastic housing covering the cell strings can be broken apart with a hacksaw to remove the individual solar cells safely.

2)Chemical methods

  • Once the solar panel is stripped of its frame, one may focus on separating the individual components to maximize value. Depending on quality and manufacturer, solar cells are worth anywhere from $1 – $3 apiece.

The most common way to separate them is by dissolving them in a high-temperature solution with either sodium nitrate or sodium hydroxide as a reagent.

3)Basic methods

  • Once the solar cells are dissolved, one can pour the solution into individual containers to sift everything out efficiently. The most important thing to remember here is to be careful and do the procedure slowly.
  • Otherwise, the solar cells will burn and damage the remaining parts.
  • Recycling scrap PV solar panel modules helps our consumers save money. New solar power systems have been rapidly declining for quite some time as utility costs have skyrocketed across America.

Scrap solar panels are being recycled to ensure the sustainability of this growing industry. There is more than enough material and energy available in the world to meet all of our needs and use recycled materials like these PV modules that come from outdated systems.

There is no better way to reuse old solar panels than to give them a new life! As long as they are not broken, they can be used again as a part of new and larger solar power systems.

With the help of proper handling, you can recycle them to obtain other materials like copper and aluminum. The materials will be able to be produced at a much lower cost in the future when distributed across a batch of solar panels.

We can improve the efficiency of solar cell production and enable innovations in the technology used in today’s PV applications because recycled materials can provide for these needs.

The recycling projects will also make carbon-free electricity more affordable for our future generations to use. These recycled solar panel modules will produce a great deal of clean energy.

IMPORTANCE OF A CERTIFIED SCRAP PV SOLAR PANEL MODULE RECYCLER.

This article will discuss why it is essential to have a certified recycler, so you will understand why they are crucial in the solar panel industry.

Why choose a certified recycler?

In the quest to find the best way to recycle solar panels, companies are taking the approach of starting their recycling facilities. It is costly and time-consuming.

They will be spending more money in this process, but they will need to spend more time.

It’s where a certified recycler comes in. Companies that have decided to work on recycling solar panels have started looking for companies with the best service, an effective way of dealing with their old boards, and a high-quality product.

They have compiled all these into one package so they won’t miss out on picking the best company for their recycling needs.

Many different certified recyclers are available in this market, and it can be challenging to pick the perfect one. They have to be efficient, practical, and reliable, so they need to be certified.

Having them licensed can guarantee that they will follow the recycling guidelines of their country or state. Some certifications are given by countries’ governments that allow companies to recycle solar panels without causing any environmental harm efficiently and not breaking any laws.

Being licensed as a recycler can guarantee that all the materials that are being recycled are recyclable. They will not only follow the recycling guidelines of the country or state but also abide by the regulations and laws it has set for companies who are recycling solar panels.

Being licensed is crucial because they have met all the requirements needed to be efficient. They can also follow good quality controls and standards, so they don’t produce defective products.

To have a company certified as a recycler, they have to conduct several tests that determine if the products they are recycling are of high quality in terms of physical parameters like weight, dimensions, etc.

They also need to test the materials used in their products. It’s important because if they use low-grade materials, they will destroy them. Also, if the materials have been mixed with other materials, then the end product will be of low quality.

To get certified as recyclers, they need to follow a recycling method that a third-party expert monitors. Only after they have followed the way to the letter and have proof will they be considered certified. They can also follow ISO standards and guidelines in their recycling methods.

To find a certified recycler, you will need to search online. You must make sure the company is licensed and can guarantee that they follow the recycling guidelines.

You then need to do thorough research to find a scrap solar panels provider with what it takes and can offer their customers a high-quality product free from defects or contamination.

It is essential to consider the market served by a certified recycler. In most cases, the government will license them and only allow licensed companies to engage in recycling.

They pay careful attention to the country or state where they would like their solar panels recycled, ensuring they get the best company to meet these requirements.

There is no better way than to have a certified recycler for all your solar panel recycles for the best quality and assured results.

4742 N 24th St, STE 300 Phoenix, AZ 85016

(480) 482-7050 or (833) 294-3512

info@WeRecycleSolar.com

Solar Repowering Could Be Coming Sooner Than You Think

Call Us At (480) 482-7050 Or Fill Out The Form Below!

Solar Repowering: The Resurrection of Solar Energy

  • Is solar technology becoming the new future? Technological advancements have made solar technology more efficient and economical since its popularization advanced. Solar technology is one of the first renewable energy widely spread globally.
  • With solar technology getting more affordable and efficient, a call for a facelift is necessary to create a big innovative subsector of the comprehensive solar industry. Repowering and revamping will be an obvious choice for many developers in the years ahead, throw in sunsetting tax incentives, worthless warranty claims, and a diverse array of poorly built projects will be an obvious choice for many developers.

Solar power panel

The Degrees of Revamping

  • The term “revamping refers to the partial replacement, removal, or reinstallation of modules or inverters to redistribute the system and optimize the grid connection. This may replace other balance of system (BOS) components wholly or partially, alterations to PV system supporting structures, and changes to the plant’s electrical layout. The addition of retrofit technologies that improve energy efficiency is the third component.

Revamping energy aims at improving the asset manager’s performance by either returning the performance ratio to the initial financial archetypal or boosting the internal rate of return above and beyond the original calculations. The massive drop in investment expenses over the last ten years determines the improvement compared to the initial operating budget. Beyond the traditional commercial channel selling to new PV power plants, upgrading energy create new sales channels.

When To Repower Solar Farms

  • Depending on the project age, subsidies, the expenses of the contract, and the regional policies that you will consider when revamping, each solar may, however, require updating at different periods due to their varied distinct nature. A previously established solar that does not give its predicted performance will require an update.

Some of the common reasons leading to solar revamping and repowering include;

1. Poor Builds

  • Most solar facilities built before were left distressed and malfunctioning due to the haste of the contractors in a rush to meet the feed-in traffic deadline. Owners of those projects have a strong economic incentive to act if they are still eligible for generous feed-in tariffs.
  • In some circumstances, projects completed with equipment from vendors no longer in the market make it harder for O&M companies to source some of their parts. Due to fierce price competition, even major solar inverter vendors like ABB have departed the business recently.
    This could result in the shutdown of significant portions of solar installations until the issue is resolved.

2. Leveling Up Batteries and Bifacial

  • Besides negative incentives, why would an investor decide to revamp a project that is running fine? Batteries and bifacial modules, in particular, have the probability of providing new benefits. Energy storage might prepare projects for post-subsidy life in addition to preventing curtailment and increasing grid services revenue.

Bifacial solar modules have the potential to increase the value of existing sites, particularly for projects with favorable site conditions and ample support. In a case where the companies have to replace old modules, though still functional, they can be used as spares in younger sites while the replaced bifacial modules still provide a set of valuable data.

3. Regional Solar Policies

  • Local legislation will also play a role in whether or not solar installations are repowered. Various subsidy regimes have varied restrictions on how they can modify operating projects.
  • Some governments are concerned that a proliferation of repowering will cause their subsidy resources to be blown out. For instance, if a government set aside $700 million to finance the construction of 500 megawatts of solar in 2012, it will be disappointed to see that repowering has increased the capacity of those plants to 800 megawatts. That’s the equivalent of replacing your old 250-watt panels with 400-watt replacements.

However, some regulators want to ensure that any modules they are replacing are indeed defective and ready to be recycled. Increases in project capacity are limited to 1% in some nations, such as France. On the other hand, Italian projects can boost their capacity by up to 10% without compromising their funding.

4. Project Age

  • The efficiency of silicon solar cells is being pushed closer to its theoretical maximum by clever engineering methods. Photons must first collide with an electron before they transform them into energy. Patterning the silicon in solar cells in microscopic pyramid forms is one way to boost the likelihood of a photon/electron collision. The light is engrossed in a pyramid; it travels further, increasing the chances of colliding with electrons in the silicon before leaving the cell.

Anti-reflective coatings for solar cells have been developed by chemists and material scientists that prevent the required light from being reflected into space without ever reaching an electron in the solar cell.
You can track the solar power output and energy using the metering and verification method. If your community or company installed a solar system that needs this advancement, it is time to repower.

5. If The Project Is Non-Operational

  • The project may not have reached the estimated lifespan before it stopped operational. In such cases, bringing in new spares will be necessary.
Why You Should Repower

If you believe your solar farm is underperforming or want to get ahead of the game following the metering and verification process, there are various advantages to investing in solar repowering. These are;

1. Effective Performance and Reliability

  • You will enjoy many benefits by revamping, such as higher energy yields, increased capacity, and higher security installation while utilizing the current land. Repowering will restore technology reliability, eliminating the need for repairs and maintenance.

2. Return on Investment

  • Solar repowering can lower operating and maintenance costs, remove the need for costly repairs, and boost efficiency and capacity. It will result in a lower Levelized cost of energy (LCOE), which is the cost of solar power produced over time. With more excellent uptime, these enhancements or the amount of time the Photovoltaic system can produce energy to the load will boost your investment’s return. The asset’s worth will also rise as a result of the repowering.

3. Extension on The Lifetime of a Project

  • Solar repowering can extend the life of a project that has reached the end of its term after 20-25 years by correcting performance issues. It will also boost the financial profitability of projects that have not lived up to their expectations.

4. Repowering Technology and Costs

  • In recent years, the remarkable drop in component costs and equally impressive advancements in component technology, quality, and performance has fueled its rapid growth. The module prices have dropped by more than 80% since 2010.
  • The price drop is striking when comparing average European pricing from 2007 to 2009. Large installations in southern Europe were carried out during this period, with prices exceeding $3/W. At the same time, average module efficiencies skyrocketed, climbing by more than 25% from 2006.
    The technological changes in the inverter since 2010 have improved utility installation performance while lowering prices by 75%.

The shift from early central technology, which consisted of 500 kW central inverters, to central inverters with more significant outputs of 1,000 V to 1,500 V, which integrate data analytics and cloud connectivity and the acceptance of various PV layouts, are examples of these shifts. For instance, the string inverters.

Overall, revamping and repowering interventions improve the performance of the existing PV generation fleet. Still, each intervention must be evaluated on a plant-by-plant basis, considering policy and technical considerations. Any intervention not covered by the warranty is an additional cost. Thus, asset owners must guarantee that they realize the benefits during the plant’s life.

5. Repowering Opportunity Size

  • More than 40 GW of PV systems in Europe will be subjected to component modifications such as repairs, repowering, redesigning, and replacements in the coming years. These older installations were made by investors rushing to meet the feed-in traffic deadlines.
  • However, these older installations have the highest incentives and internal rates of return and higher component faults and plant underperformance. Although inverters are less susceptible to general problems, they are expected to be replaced after ten years unless they are maintained using spare parts.The number of module and inverter firms that have recently quit the market has also contributed to the number of repurposing options. Asset owners frequently experience significant problems with warranty claims and technical support. Inverters, for instance, maybe plagued by poor servicing and expired warranties, prompting asset managers to seek inverter replacements.

Germany, Italy, Spain, and France are home to most of Europe’s older ground installations. Despite this country-specific concentration, PV asset ownership remains fragmented, limiting the ability to repower extensive portfolios.

Conclusion

Solar technology, portrayed as the cheapest and the fastest globally spread renewable energy, will be a big future for the economy in the coming years, replacing the expensive electricity. However, repowering is necessary to modernize the nature of the ancient machines and make them more effective and easier to maintain. A little more restructuring, revamping, and redesigning will help achieve this.

4742 N 24th St, STE 300 Phoenix, AZ 85016

(480) 482-7050 or (833) 294-3512

info@WeRecycleSolar.com