Photovoltaic Modules Waste Management: Ethical Issues for Developing Nations

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are composed of modules and batteries characterized by depreciable, short lifespans. A survey was carried out to ascertain the level of awareness of the management of used PV modules in developing countries. Even though the respondents are aware of the environmental and health risks of the chemical components of the modules, nothing is being done presently to recycle or plan for the management of the items at end-of-life (EoL) period in developing countries. Whereas PV modules at EoL are being reprocessed by recycling in developed countries like the EU, it is not being considered as a health and environmental challenge, as for other electronic wastes in developing countries. Herein, the status and ethical challenges of PV waste generation in developing countries are discussed. Data from a structured survey instrument are obtained, analyzed, and discussed for determining the precursory method to avoid PV wastes in developing countries. It is observed that soon when most installations will be decommissioned, the developing nations will begin to experience a huge collection of PV wastes like other electronic gadgets and be exposed to the dangers of electronic waste pollution if necessary legislative programs are neglected.