Research Publications

As solar capacity grows in the United States, there are increasing concerns about managing End-of-Life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules. Circularity through reuse and recycling aims to reduce EoL management costs, toxicity concerns, liability concerns, and raw material procurement. This study aimed to analyze the current state of PV circularity and identify potential strategies for improving PV circularity outcomes in the United States, focusing on four areas of circularity concern: (1) the current state of EoL management and toxicity characterization, including end-of-life management pathways and PV toxicity risks; (2) community concerns about solar development and how governance and project-level decisions are made; (3) industry-level circularity concerns using a comparative study of the lead acid battery industry; and (4) understanding the current state of PV end of life policy in the United States, and how those policies are affecting circularity in the industry. The identified drivers and barriers to circularity are critical information in the effort to develop strategies promoting circularity.