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.

Young Kenyans working with Greenpeace's Solar Generation are tackling the twin problems of energy poverty and climate change today, by installing solar panels on the Senator Barack Obama School in Kogelo and on the roof of the house of Mama Sarah - the US President's grandmother. Mama Sarah said: "I am very pleased that my home has been improved thanks to solar energy and I'll make sure my grandson hears about it. Solar power is clean, reliable and affordable, unlike paraffin that is widely used in the area. Also, we now have qualified youth in the village who can help with the upkeep of the systems." The solar installations are part of a 20 day renewable energy workshop hosted by Greenpeace's Solar Generation with 25 participants from the Kibera Community Youth Programme (1) and community members of Nyang'oma Kogelo. Young Kenyans are learning how solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity and about their installation and maintenance, the fabrication of self-assembling solar lamps and marketing potential. Robert Kheyi, project coordinator for the Kibera Community Youth Programme, said: "The workshop and practical installation of solar power are a critical opportunity for us to develop our own skills in renewable energy installation. Not only do we get to act against the devastating effects of climate change in Kenya, but also develop a source of revenue."

Google has decided to install 1.6-megawatts (MW) of solar panels on its headquarters in Mountain View, California. According to Ron Kenedi, an executive at Sharp Electronics, Solar Energy Solutions Group, this will cause other large companies to do the same in the near future. "I'm seeing that there's a lot of movement going on by large companies, so the dance card is full. And I am very encouraged by this movement."

Kenedi also pointed at other company's decisions such as FedEx and Johnson & Johnson to put solar on their regional headquarters. These actions, he said, are proving that solar is becoming a mainstream energy source and "is part of the solution" for the country's environmental and energy security problems.

German communities in Shanghai will soon have something to boast about - they will be using electricity for free, thanks to a solar roof project sponsored by the German Government. The German School in Shanghai became the first beneficiary of the project. The school announced the establishment of a solar power plant last week.

The solar-power generating facility includes four inverters and 96 solar modules. It is estimated that the plant will generate 16,000 kilowatt-hours of power a year, which is enough to supply the energy needs of 30 families. The project was launched by the German Energy Agency to promote the use of renewable energy and solar technology among German communities worldwide.

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