More than 200 experts in photovoltaic (PV) energy, waste management and recycling participated today in the 1st International Conference on PV module recycling organized by PV CYCLE and EPIA in collaboration with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. Attendees had the opportunity to learn first-hand from different industry associations and companies what is currently being done to implement recycling mechanisms and to minimise the environmental impact of end-of-life solar panels. "Since the early years of photovoltaics, in the 1990s, customers and industry alike have shown their dedication for protecting the environment and finding a reliable solution for the adequate disposal of modules" explained Eleni Despotou, EPIA Deputy Secretary General. "An increasing number of manufacturers are working on the development of new and more effective recycling processes. However, the quantities of PV modules available for recycling are still too low to make any private scheme 100% commercially viable. This is why initiatives such as PV CYCLE can really make a difference for the industry." According to the forecast presented in a study commissioned by EPIA and the founding members of PV CYCLE, approximately 3,000 tonnes of PV modules will be disposed of in Germany during 2010, which represent close to 50% of all the PV waste that will be generated in Europe this year. Although this figure will remain relatively stable for the next two decades, the study shows that by 2030 about 130,000 tonnes of end-of-life PV modules will be disposed of in Europe.

Acciona Energía has signed a contract with Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer, Yingli Solar for the supply of 42 Megawatts of photovoltaic modules. The modules will be used in the first phase of the solar project that the Spanish group will build in Moura (Portugal). Acciona Energía notes that this system will have the highest installed capacity, by far, of any facility of its type installed in the world.

The agreement, signed today in the head office of Acciona A Energía by Fermín Gembero, General Manager of the renewables company and Liangsheng, General Manager of the Chinese group, envisages the extension of the supply for a second phase of the Moura photovoltaic plant. Acciona is to materialize the Moura project and become the clear world leader in the ownership of photovoltaic assets. This is a major milestone in a sector that has been growing above 40% a year, with forecasts indicating a tripling of accumulated capacity in Europe in five years.