As the demand for solar energy continues to grow, experts estimate that around 7-8 million solar modules will reach the end of their useful life each year starting in 2045. This influx of waste poses significant challenges. In response, a new collaboration in the Netherlands aims to tackle this issue by focusing on sustainable materials, particularly aluminium, which has proven to be exceptionally well-suited for outdoor applications like substructures for solar parks.
Aluminium: A Perfect Material for Solar Applications
The properties of aluminium make it an ideal choice for mounting structures in solar installations. Its design flexibility, durability, recyclability, and potential for re-use position it as a circular material perfect for the clean energy sector.
Key Benefits of Aluminium in PV Systems
Extended Lifespan: While a galvanized steel substructure typically lasts about 30 years, a well-designed aluminium substructure can have a technical lifetime of up to 60 years. This longevity is largely attributed to aluminium’s excellent corrosion resistance.
Adaptability and Re-use: With support from Hydro EcoDesign, extruded aluminium profiles can be optimized for weight and adaptability. This means that when solar panels need to be replaced or when modifications are necessary, these profiles can be re-used, thereby extending their life cycle and minimizing waste.
Infinitely Recyclable: One of the standout features of aluminium is its ability to be recycled infinitely without losing quality. The recycling process also requires only 5% of the energy needed to create primary metal, making it a highly efficient choice in terms of resource use.
Financial Viability: Aluminium retains its value over time, meaning that the financial compensation for recycling can be relatively high. This not only supports sustainability but also creates a financially rewarding scenario for manufacturers within the solar market.
Towards a Circular Solar Industry
“The use of aluminium in PV systems is key to enabling circularity in this industry,” says Yon van den Oever, EcoDesign manager at Hydro. He emphasized that the research confirms a circular business model is not only environmentally necessary but also financially beneficial for manufacturers.
To further invest in sustainability, Hydro is developing a take-back system to collect aluminium at the end of its useful life, returning it to the recycling cycle. This initiative aligns perfectly with efforts to reduce waste and promote circularity within the solar industry.
Conclusion
As the solar power sector faces increasing pressure to manage waste responsibly, aluminium’s properties offer promising solutions. Its durability, recyclability, and adaptability make it an essential material for building a sustainable future in power generation. With these conditions in place, the solar industry is moving towards sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more circular economy.
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