Taisei Corp., a prominent Japanese construction company, has recently unveiled its innovative use of second-life solar panels at Fukuoka Airport, the primary air hub on Kyushu Island. By employing these repurposed panels, Taisei aims to mitigate the construction site's carbon footprint while evaluating their performance for future applications that demand temporary power supply, deviating from the conventional 25-year operational timeframe.
The panels for the construction project were supplied by Hamada Co., Ltd., a Japan-based industrial group. Hamada is actively engaged in both solar panel recycling and the provision of second-life modules. In line with its commitment to sustainability, Hamada is presently focused on expanding the sales of second-life panels in the Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu regions.
Although a significant proportion of the reused panels are currently exported overseas, Hamada envisions establishing a local market that will enable proper disposal of end-of-life solar panels within Japan. This initiative aligns with their objective of minimizing environmental impact and fostering responsible waste management practices.
Recognizing the growing importance of sustainable practices in the renewable energy sector, the Japanese Ministry of Environment issued a comprehensive guide in May 2021. The guide offers recommendations for the appropriate reuse of photovoltaic (PV) modules, prioritizing reuse as the preferred option over disposal or recycling. It further outlines contractual terms, inspection procedures, and packaging methods to govern transactions between buyers and sellers involved in module reuse.
This commendable endeavor by Taisei Corp. and Hamada Co., Ltd. exemplifies Japan's commitment to promoting eco-friendly solutions and reducing waste in the solar energy industry. By embracing the potential of second-life solar panels, the construction sector can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible future.
