Regarding the Vision of Reuse, Recycling andAppropriate Disposal in the End-of-Life Facilities
for Renewable Energy
Summary
March 2015

Study Group on Reuse, Recycling and Appropriate Disposal
in the End-of-Life Facilities for Renewable Energy＜Table of contents＞
0. Objective of the Study and the Contents

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems

2

2. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Solar Thermal Systems

7

3. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Wind Power Generation Facilities

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0. Objective of the Study and the Contents＜Objective of the Study＞
Owing to the FIT scheme starting in July 2012, a substantial expansion of the use of renewable energy
facilities is expected.
The disposal of end-of-life facilities for photovoltaic systems and wind power generation which wereintroduced back in an early stage of the introduction have been identified, but currently a treatment
system has not yet been established.
Through the fiscal 2013 to 2014, a series of study commission group meetings, consisting of experts,
etc. were convened and studied on tests of a series of operational procedures of disposal, transport,
reuse and recycling, and appropriate treatment of end-of-life facilities for renewable energy, as well as
studied on appropriate disposal methods and structures through model projects, etc.
＜Contents of the Study＞
Photovoltaic Systems

Solar Thermal Systems

Wind Power Generation Facilities

Research andcurrent state
analysis on removal,transport andtreatment

Survey on the flow of end of life facilities
Survey on recycle technologies
Study on reuse and environmentally conscious
designEvaluation of resource value and harmful
effects
Study on expected disposal volume andregional differences
Implementation of recycle model projects
Economic analysis on recycle system
Survey on national and international systems

Survey on the flowof end of life
facilities
Survey on the status
of in-house/homestorage of end of life
products
Evaluation of
resource value andharmful effects

Material composition survey
Survey on the reuse market
Survey on actual recycle
cases
Cos survey on disposal andrecycleFuture orientation
based on the resultof the current state
analysis

Study on a menu of measures
Study on a roadmap

Study on the issues
and futureorientation

Study on the issues andfuture orientation

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems (1/5)
The ideal situation on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems【Removal】【Disposal】【Transport】

Procrastination of disposal due tolong-term use and reuse(in cooperation with FIT)

Nonresidentialuser, power
generationcompany, etc.

Future rise of disposal volume

Material perspective

Residentialuser

Promotion ofrecycling

Architectural
wrecker

construction
company

Nonferrous
smelters/glass

Housing
manufacturer

Intermediate
treatment

Photovoltaic
systemmanufacturer

Major
construction
company

Final disposal

Illegal disposal

Economic perspective

Minimization of illegal
disposalRemoval cost

Removalcost

Transport cost
Treatment cost

【 Disposal andUtilization】【 Intermediate
Treatment 】

Reduction of final disposal
generated load and toxic
substance generated load

Development of economical andefficient reuse and recycle businessTransport cost

Appropriate cost sharing ofremoval, transport andtreatment

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Treatment cost2

1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems (2/5)
Research and Current State Analysis on Removal, Transport and Treatment
Research Themes

Current State Analysis

Survey on the flow of theend of life facilities

Currently, a large volume of disposal has been detected from manufacturers resulting from initial product defect, etc. Thereare cases where these products are sold.
Photovoltaic systems used for residential application are dispersed in a small scale, so it is considered difficult to collect the
products of a certain amount by construction company and architectural wrecker alone. Currently, the products are disposed
via a conventional industrial waste stream with other wastes.
For non residential application, there are cases where the products are disposed after repair and exchange due tomalfunction and natural disaster, etc.

Survey on recycle
technologies

Recycle technology assistance and model projects are in operation by NEDO and the Ministry of Environment.
Glass selection technology and application development are important to facilitate the recycling

Study on reuse andenvironmentallyconscious design

Domestically, there are almost no cases for reuse, whereas there are cases for reuse overseas.
Domestic module manufactures are in efforts to realize environmental conscious design, specifically prioritizes the longevityof the product. There are such actions as to reduce the content amount of designated chemical substances and improve theeasiness for separation and dismantling modules.

Evaluation of resource
value and harmful effects

A resource value is determined by the amount of silver, but it largely differs by each product.
The elution test result showed lead was detected from some crystallion modules and a relatively high volume of selenium
was detected from some chemical compound modules.
It was suggested that the test result may greatly vary depending on the sampling adjustment method administered, so astandardized analytical method was presented through this project.

Study on expected
disposal volume andregional differences

The expected disposal volume when the expected life-span being set at 25 years will be approx. 1,000 ton in 2020 andapprox. 30,000 ton in 2030.
It was suggested that, if comparing the capacity of landfill site and the expected disposal volume per region, there are acertain level of regional differences (especially in Kanto and Kyushu region, the level of difference is high).

Economic analysis on
recycle system

The share of the removal cost is large. Both of the transport and treatment costs after removal outweigh the benefit: costs >benefits. It is suggested that recycling is more cost-effective compared with landfill.

Survey on national andinternational systems

The Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act mostly deals them as industrial wastes. Photovoltaic systems are notapplicable to the designated construction materials of which separate dismantling and recycling are obligated by theConstruction Recycling Law.
In Europe, based on the recast of WEEE directive, manufacturers are obligated to collect and recycle PV modules (it was so
determined because recycling was considered as a cost effective option). And, prior to the directive recast, in Europe, PV
CYCLE, which was mainly established by manufacturers, had established the voluntary recycling scheme.

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems (3/5)
Future Orientation to be Aimed

1

Building a safety net for recycling→ Related manufacturers play a certain role through environmental conscious design, etc.

2

Optimization of the flow, achieved by an appropriate cost sharing and securing theappropriateness of disposal and transport.

3

The government will study necessary schematic measures to facilitate a smooth
implementation of voluntary collection, treatment and recycling

4

Promotion of technology development and environmentally conscious design to reduce thesocietal cost burden incurred in recycling→ In harmonization with international actions such as EU WEEE directive, etc.

5

Study will be conducted on the possibility of the continuity of power generation projects (theproduct longevity and reuse, etc.) after the FIT period is complete.

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems (4/5)
A Menu of Measures (Draft)＜Ideal situation＞＜Issues＞＜A Menu of Measures (Draft)＞

Short-term Medium-term Long-term（～2020） （2021～25） （2026～）
Minimization of illegal
disposal

Reduction of final disposal
generated load and toxic
substance generated load

Procrastination of
disposal due to long-term
use and reuse

Building a safety net that is
adaptable with the increase of
disposal volume
Realization of
economies of scale
Levelling of themodules’ disposal
timingReduction of recycling costs
Improvement of recycling rate

Promotion of recycling

Development of economicaland efficient reuse andrecycle businessAppropriate burden
sharing of the cost ofremoval, transport andtreatment
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Implementation of appropriate
treatment by intermediate treatment
service provider, etc.
Implementation of appropriate
disposal and transport by architectural
wrecker and construction company,
etc.
Recognition of the cost sharing
burden incurred in treatment, etc. forresidential user and power generationcompany, etc.

5

Reinforcement andbuilding of collection,
appropriate treatment
and recycle system- Reinforcement and buildingof collection, appropriate
treatment and recycle
system by related
manufacturers

Study on the continuity ofelectricity generation projects
after FIT period ending（including reuse)・- Study on the possibility of thecontinuity of electricity
generation projects after FIT
period ending (including reuse),etc. to realize the levelling ofmodules’ disposal timing.

Support for technology
development- Government support fortechnology development anddemonstration projects, etc.

Promotion of- Promotion of environmentallyenvironmentally conscious conscious design by related
manufacturers, etc.
designDevelopment of aguideline on removal,transport and treatment- Development of a guideline on
removal, transport andtreatment and awarenessraising to related parties, etc.

- Creating mechanisms to
Awareness raising on
realize the information
removal, collection andprovision on removal,
recycling to residential
collection and recycling touser and power
residential user and electricity
generation company, etc.
generation company, etc.

1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems (5/5)
Roadmap to Promote Appropriate Treatment including Recycling
2015

Phase 1
・・・

2020

2021

Phase 2・・・

Phase 3
2025

2026

・・・

2035

・・・

Reinforcement and building of the system for voluntary collection, appropriate treatment and recycling by related businesses（including the use of the wide area certification system, etc.）

Reinforcement andbuilding of collection,
appropriate treatment
and recycle system

Support for technology
development
Promotion ofenvironmentallyconscious design

Reinforcement
and building of
the system

Building therecycle system

Management of the recycle
systemStudy on the use of schematic support or mandatory recycle, etc. to facilitate a smooth implementation of recycling (this will be studied taking
into consideration the implementation status of voluntary collection schemes as necessary).
Research and study contributing to the reinforcement and building of the recycle system (research and study on the trend in Europe where amandatory recycle system has been introduced, etc.).
Support for technology development →Demonstration of reuse and recycling

Development of per industry guideline

Follow up on the implementation status

Development of a guideline
on removal, transport andtreatment

Development of a guideline on removal,transport and treatment and awareness raising
to related parties

Follow up on the implementation status

Awareness raising toresidential user and power
generation company, etc.

Awareness raising on removal, collection andrecycle to residential user and power generationcompany, etc.

Study on the continuity ofelectricity generation
projects after the FIT
period ending（including reuse）
Follow up on theimplementation status ofactions
Expected disposal volume
of module （product life time:
20-25-30 years）

Follow up on the implementation status

Study on the possibility of the continuity of electricity generation projects after
the end of FIT period (including reuse).

Follow up on the implementation status of actions (every one to two years as a rule)
Follow up on the current trend of the expected disposal volume and recycle technologies.
2020: 2,000t-3,000t -10,000t

2025: 2,000t-10,000t-29,000t

2035: 28,000t-61,000t-770,000t

Residential: 400t-500t-6,000t
Non-residential: 2,000t-2,000t-5,000t

Residential: 500t-6,000t-20,000t
Non-residential: 1,000t-3,000t-8,000t

Residential: 20,000t-39,000t-130,000t
Non-residential: 8,000t-22,000t-640,000t

Only the products which were introduced
before FIT reach the end of life .

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13 years passed since the start of FIT. The
residential application reaches the end of the6purchase period

23 years passed since the start of FIT. The nonresidential application reaches the end of thepurchase period

2. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Solar Thermal Systems
Future Orientation based on the Current State Analysis
Perspective of this study

Facts obtained from this study

Issues and future orientation

It is expected that the large part of the disposal results fromindustrial wastes. Under this situation , based on the Polluter
Pays Principle, the responsibility for an appropriate treatment
arises for businesses who dispose.
Although the volume may be small, it should be noted that there
is a possibility that they will be disposed as a domestic waste.

Proper management at
the final disposal site

It is assumed that a special consideration may not be necessary
if an appropriate disposal is secured based on the Waste
Management and Public Cleansing Act.

Characteristics ofdisposal

The rate of in-house or home storage is 14%. A certain amountof products are stored in-house or at home.

Promotion ofrecycling

Promotion of recycling

Metals of the pump, the counter, and the copper tube arerecycled.

There are no issues.

Responsibility forburden sharing of thecosts and treatment

When it becomes an industrial waste, a fundamental
responsibility for cost sharing and treatment is laid uponbusinesses disposing （construction company and architectural
wrecker, etc.）. In many cases, the costs will be passed throughto users.
Users who are not willing to share the cost burden tend to store
the product in-house or at home.

As a disposal activity is expected tocontinue for a long time, a monitoring will
be continued.
There are no issues that have come up to
the surface, but a study will be continued inline with photovoltaic systems.

PPP: Polluter-Pays-Principle
and EPR: Extended Producer
Responsibility

Assurance of appropriate treatment

Prevention of illegal
disposal

Action when there is no
responsible
manufacturer

Solar thermal system manufacturers who withdrew from thebusiness are providing information for guidance about othermanufacturers on websites, and the Solar System Development
Association (SSDA) is providing information to introduce
manufacturers upon request.

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As a disposal activity is expected to for along time, a monitoring will be continued.
Currently, there are no issues that havecome up to the surface, but a study on
solar thermal systems along withphotovoltaic systems will be continued asnecessary.

3. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Wind Power Generation Facilities
Future Orientation based on the Current State Analysis
Perspective of thisstudy

Facts obtained from this study

Issues and future orientation

Currently, the domestic market is small and a variety of models havebeen introduced, thus it is not that a certain amount of compatible parts
are available in a certain region, so the reuse market has not beenformulated.
However, there are cases where reuse products have been used. There
are the cases where some defective parts are repaired in a company,
then reused for other windmills considering economic reasonability.
There are preferences for reuse products (cost attractiveness, theadvantage of a quicker purchasing). Although, there are views expressing
fear factors about product quality and warranty.

A follow up for necessary assistance measures, etc. (information
provision for manufactures and service providers, etc.) should be
conducted taking into consideration the future trend of wind power
generation market and expandability of the reuse market.

Promotion ofrecycling

90% of a windmill (except for the foundation) is composed of metal.
Recycling routes of these materials have been established.
GFRP, which is used in blades, etc. is disposed in a certain amount, thus
research and study on the recycle technology has been conducted
overseas.

There are no issues that have come up to the surface, but a follow
up on GFRP recycling should be conducted.

Rare metal(permanent-magnettype generator)
recycling

Currently, a type of windmill using induction generator with a speed up
gear is the main stream. The market share of permanent-magnet-typesynchronous generator is small, but a certain amount of permanentmagnet is used.
In the three disposal cases of permanent-magnet-type generators, it was
identified that these were handed over to scrap metal companies, but nocase was identified where these were recycled as magnet.

A follow up on the recyclability of rare metals should be conductedtaking into consideration the future trend of technology
development and the proliferation trend of permanent-magnet-type
generators.

Prevention of illegal
disposal

Most disposal is expected to arise as an industrial waste. In this case,responsibility for appropriate treatment occurs based on the PPP:
Polluter-Pays-Principle for businesses disposing the systems.

There are no issues that have come up to the surface, but a study
may be conducted as necessary.

Proper management
at the final disposalsite

If an appropriate treatment is assured based on the Waste Management
and Public Cleansing Act, it is assumed that a special consideration may
not be necessary.

There are no issues.

Disposal costs

In the FIT: Feed-In Tariff scheme, 5% of the installation cost
(15,000yen/kW) is assumed as the disposal cost.
However, this study suggested that the disposal cost will substantiallyvary depending on the scale of electric generation, the location, theapplication (whether demonstration test use or commercial use) and the
management entity (whether it is a local authority or a private company).

Regarding the disposal costs, there have been a small number ofactual cases, thus, to accumulate more data of actual cases will benecessary toward the future.
To assure appropriate treatment in the future, approximation of theadequate costs of disposal during a project planning stage isimportant. In line with the continued action of information provision
for manufacturer and service provider, a follow up, taking into
consideration the future trend of disposal and technology
development, should be conducted to monitor whether theappropriate disposal has been realized.

Promotion of reuse

Promotion of reuse

Promotion of recycling

Assurance of appropriate treatment

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Reference Materials

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems
Current State Analysis: Flow on Reuse, Recycling and Appropriate Treatment in the End-of-Life Facilities for Photovoltaic Systems
Currently, the following five routes are identified:(1) Photovoltaic systems manufacturer route(2) Architectural wrecker route(3) Major construction company and construction company route(4) construction company route(5) Reuse company route
Of the above routes, currently, one which disposes the largest amount is assumed to be from the photovoltaic systems manufacturer route. Photovoltaic systems
manufacturer usually stores the products until the amount reaches a certain degree, then hands them over to an intermediate treatment service and a scrap metalcompany.
It should be noted that there may be possible change in the flow resulting from the future rise of resource price and disposal volume, etc.

construction
company※For non-residential disposal（mega-solar）, apart frompower generation company
and major construction
company, etc., leasing
company and insurancecompany may be involved indisposal of facilities.
Also, apart from PV module
manufacturer, various
manufacturers such as
electricity transformer
manufacturer, etc. may be
involved.

Chart: Flow on Reuse, Recycling and Appropriate Treatment in the End-of-Life Facilities for
Photovoltaic Systems

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1. Study on Removal, Transport and Treatment in Photovoltaic Systems
Current State Analysis: Expected Disposal Volume of the End-of-Life Facilities for PV Module.
Estimation of the future disposal volume of photovoltaic systems was made based on the data of photovoltaic systems
previously introduced (nationally and regionally aggregated per prefecture per application (residential or non-residential)) andthe forecast of the expected amount of photovoltaic systems to be introduced. For this estimation, the expected disposal
volume is assumed to be the disposal which will arise due to the end of the system’s life span (20, 25, 30 years) and thedisposal which will arise due to replacement including repair (0.3% of annual domestic shipment volume).
Estimation was made for residential and non-residential application, aggregated nationally and per prefecture. The national
expected disposal volume (the life time: 25 years） will be approx. 1,000 ton in 2020 and approx. 30,000 ton in 2030. The
timing of disposal may substantially differ depending on the system’s life span.

Up to 10kW (residential)

900,000

Expected
disposal volume (t)排出見込量（ｔ）

Expected disposal volume (t)Over 10kW (non-residential)

寿命20年
Life span: 20 yrs

寿命25年Life span: 25 yrs

寿命30年Life span: 30 yrs

800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
2026
2028
2030
2032
2034
2036
2038
2040
2042
2044
2046
2048
2050

0

Graph: Expected Disposal Volume of PV Module(life span of 25 years)

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Graph: Expected disposal volume of PV module(life span of 20, 25, 30 years)

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