Solar PV modules are everywhere…on rooftops, streetlights, parking meters, and ground-mounted, utility-scale farms. Globally, over 100,000 solar panels are installed every hour of every day. There are currently over 45 million tonnes (50 million tons) of modules deployed throughout North America; that’s the equivalent weight of 122 Empire State Buildings. Unfortunately catastrophic damage can cause early loss before the modules reach their end-of-life, turning assets into liabilities.
Currently there has been a trend toward “repowering” where, first generation modules are removed from utility-scale farms and replaced with newer modules with a higher watt output. If possible, these modules should be repurposed to secondary markets that do not require high efficiency panels.
SUNSET has been working with industry, academia, and government to develop advanced deconstruction methods and separation of the various components of a solar module. We can do this cheaper than landfill options regardless of site location, and provide you with a certificate showing responsible elimination of your liabilities.
We also provide consultancy for developers and stakeholders to implement best management practices in order to mitigate and manage site infrastructure/waste materials during permitting, construction, repowering, and EOL phases of renewable energy facilities.