In a bid to bolster sustainability efforts within the solar energy sector, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the release of $20 million in funding for solar waste reduction and lifecycle technologies. This funding initiative, named the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) program, will focus on optimizing the use of materials in PV deployments, enhancing the quality and resilience of PV installations, and developing efficient recycling, reuse, and end-of-life practices for the industry.
A significant portion of this funding, amounting to $8 million, stems from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signifying a bipartisan commitment to promoting cleaner energy practices. The funding projects under MORE PV will establish a Solar Partnership to Advance Recycling and Circularity (Solar PARC), which will receive $8 million to develop material recovery and end-of-life processes for PV modules, inverters, and other components of a solar array.
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An essential focus of the partnership will be to tackle the challenge of low-cost recycling and material recovery. The relative cost advantage of landfill disposal has posed a barrier for PV recycling firms, making it imperative to develop economically viable recycling solutions. Several US companies have recently highlighted their efforts to advance PV recycling and circular economy practices, reflecting the industry's growing commitment to environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the MORE PV fund will support three to six projects aimed at optimizing the cost-effectiveness, performance, and material requirements of PV systems. This comes as the International Energy Agency warns of a substantial increase in global copper demand over the next decade due to the expansion of the PV sector.
US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, emphasized that this funding initiative would improve PV systems throughout their lifecycle, resulting in cost reductions and minimized environmental impacts. Furthermore, the DOE seeks to ensure a systematic and economical approach to retiring solar panels, thereby strengthening the domestic supply chain.
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Businesses, universities, and other entities interested in securing funding must submit their applications, including a letter of intent, by September 6th, with a concept paper due a week later.
Notably, the DOE previously provided support for eight PV recycling and lifecycle projects in April, underscoring the government's continued commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the solar industry.
