Palletized solar modules are waiting for recycling in a solarcycle warehouse.
Nowadays Seia has unveiled a new route map to implement a circular economy approach in the American solar and storage industry. Since solar energy and storage are a majority of the new power of the electric grid from America, this plan imposes a strategic vision to prepare the industry for the challenge of managing the growing volume of equipment that reach the end of the lifetime of its services.
The circular economy is a model of resources production that disconnects economic growth from the consumption of resources. Embracing the circular economy positions the solar and storage industry for long-term, sustainable growth by reducing dependence on new raw materials, reducing risks imposed by a linear economy and saving costs through resources efficiency. By extending the lifespan of products and restoring valuable materials, industry can scale up more affordably, strengthen local economies and improve American energy security.
Entitled “A vision for the implementation of the circular economy in the solar and storage industry,“The route map gives details about how the industry will reduce waste, strengthen the supply chains and extend the lifespan of clean energy products – all while stimulating the creation of jobs and economic growth.
“As industry continues to grow, it is important that we implement strategies that extend the life of our products, while reducing waste to unlock economic opportunities and a healthier environment. That is what the circular economy is all about,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, Seia president and CEO. “This route map outlines the daily solutions to make our vision in reality – by offering a concrete action plan to develop national standards, to create a demand for restored and recycled materials and reduce waste in landfills.”
This first route map in its kind contains an action plan for the solar and storage industry-in cooperation with stakeholders, as well as federal, national and local governments:
- Develop national standards for recycling, dismantling and reuse of solar and storage equipment
- Provide support and technical assistance to manufacturers to create the demand for restored raw materials
- Support for existing and new research and development work flows to offer solutions for obstacles to the implementation of a circular economy
- Develop contract language to meet the financial security requirements for dismantling the project
- Develop the best practices of zero waste-to-country fill
- Develop guidelines for placing and acting the model for PV recycling facilities
- Make a framework for a national network of sites for collecting solar and storage equipment that increases logistics efficiency
- Conversion a first-in-in-IS species sustainability conference for our industry in the US
- Lawyer for legislation and legal requirements at local/national/federal level to make the recovery of resources easier and cheaper than the removal of land.
- Assess and develop recommendations for further standards that support a successful allowance of projects
The route map also includes a timeline for the implementation of the action plan, with important standards that are expected to be in force in 2026. SEIA will work closely with companies in the solar and storage industry, government agencies, the permanent waste industry, the academic world, non -governmental organizations and all participants in the value chain to bring this vision to life.
As the solar and storage industry continues to grow, Seia’s circular economic road map offers a vision for the future of industry that reduces the uncertainty in the market, strengthens domestic production and supply chains and promotes economic growth through circularity.
View it Full route map for circular economy here.
News item from SEIA
