Photovoltaic modules have been considered durable capital goods for many years. However, when they are dismantled after 20 to 25 years, operators often assume that replacement and recycling are the only sensible options. A pilot project by Wien Energie and 2ndCycle now shows that this standard process can be rethought—and that the majority of modules remain technically usable for longer.
Technical condition of old modules reassessed
2ndCycle operates the first fully automated facility in Amstetten that systematically tests old modules. Measurements are carried out in accordance with recognized standards and, for the first time, enable an objective assessment of performance status. The facility also prepares modules—through cleaning and functional evaluation—so that they can be reused or marketed.
As part of the project, modules that had previously generated green electricity for Wien Energie for over 25 years were examined. The results were surprising: the majority of the modules achieved around 97 percent of their original performance. Studies by the Fraunhofer Institute confirm these observations and show that degradation in many older module generations is lower than had long been assumed.
Reuse in own plant inventory and secondary market
Wien Energie reuses some of the tested modules internally, thereby extending the operating life of existing systems. Other modules are marketed as second-life modules—for example, as spare parts or extensions for existing PV installations. This creates, for the first time, a traceable process between dismantling and recycling in which the functionality of individual components is not lost.
A new approach to circular economy in photovoltaics
This approach demonstrates that circular economy in the PV sector does not only begin at the end of a product's life cycle. What is crucial is a transparent assessment of the actual performance status. This enables differentiated decisions to be made instead of blanket complete replacements.
“Instead of directly discarding functional modules, we make their performance visible and open up a second cycle of use,” explains Simon Prüller, CEO of 2ndCycle.
Significance for operators and energy suppliers in the coming years
With the dismantling of old plants, repowering projects, and increasing operating temperatures, the question of the technical condition of used modules is becoming more relevant. 2ndCycle's approach provides the basis for decisions that are both economically sensible and resource-efficient.
For operators such as Wien Energie, this results in a measurable advantage: fewer new investments, lower material usage, and the availability of tested replacement modules lead to more stable existing systems—with significantly lower ecological footprints.
Would you like to know whether your PV modules still have sufficient power? We check, document, and provide clarity. Contact us for further information.