Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data: IEA PVPS Task 12: PV Sustainability

Karsten Wambach; Cara Libby; Garvin Heath

doi:10.69766/PJOW5359

Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data: IEA PVPS Task 12: PV Sustainability

Karsten Wambach
, Cara Libby
, Garvin Heath (NLR Technical Monitor)

Strategic Energy Analysis Center

Wambach-Consulting
Electric Power Research Institute

Research output: NLR › Technical Report

Abstract

This report shows measurable progress in PV module recycling technologies, while highlighting the need for greater data transparency to support future circular-economy decisions. Prepared by IEA PVPS Task 12, the report Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data presents new and updated life cycle inventory (LCI) data. The report covers both crystalline-silicon and thin-film PV recycling technologies, using data from commercial and pilot-scale recyclers in the United States and Europe.

Original language	American English
Number of pages	88
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.69766/PJOW5359
State	Published - 2026

Bibliographical note

NLR's Garvin Heath is a task manager of IEA PVPS Task 12

NLR Publication Number

NLR/TP-6A20-102023

Other Report Number

Report IEA-PVPS T12-32:2026

Keywords

circular economy
international
recycling
solar

Access to Document

10.69766/PJOW5359

https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IEA-PVPS-T12-32-2026-REPORT-Recycling-LCI-2026.pdf

Cite this

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title = "Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data: IEA PVPS Task 12: PV Sustainability",

abstract = "This report shows measurable progress in PV module recycling technologies, while highlighting the need for greater data transparency to support future circular-economy decisions. Prepared by IEA PVPS Task 12, the report Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data presents new and updated life cycle inventory (LCI) data. The report covers both crystalline-silicon and thin-film PV recycling technologies, using data from commercial and pilot-scale recyclers in the United States and Europe.",

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AB - This report shows measurable progress in PV module recycling technologies, while highlighting the need for greater data transparency to support future circular-economy decisions. Prepared by IEA PVPS Task 12, the report Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data presents new and updated life cycle inventory (LCI) data. The report covers both crystalline-silicon and thin-film PV recycling technologies, using data from commercial and pilot-scale recyclers in the United States and Europe.

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Advances in Photovoltaic Module Recycling: Third Update to Empirical Life Cycle Inventory Data: IEA PVPS Task 12: PV Sustainability

Abstract

Bibliographical note

NLR Publication Number

Other Report Number

Keywords

Access to Document

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Cite this