Waste solar panel generation in Viet Nam: waste estimation and management orientation

Tran Phuong Ha; Ha Vinh Hung; Nguyen Duc Quang; Vu Minh Trang; Dao Duy Nam; Dinh Le Phuong Anh; Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen; Huynh Trung Hai

doi:10.15625/2525-2518/19251

Author affiliations

Authors

Tran Phuong Ha School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7333-0639
Ha Vinh Hung School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Duc Quang School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Vu Minh Trang School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Dao Duy Nam School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1633-6756
Dinh Le Phuong Anh Institute of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, No. 6 Ton That Tung Street, Dong Da District, Ha Noi 10 000, Viet Nam
Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen Institute of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, No. 6 Ton That Tung Street, Dong Da District, Ha Noi 10 000, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4248-8740
Huynh Trung Hai School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet Road, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9041-6960

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/19251

Keywords:

waste solar panel, waste estimation, waste photovoltaic panel management

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a prominent solution to address the rising energy needs of expanding populations and combat climate change. While the advancement and proliferation of solar photovoltaics have significantly contributed to the decarbonization of energy systems, the improper disposal of end-of-life solar panels could potentially result in significant environmental impacts. Moreover, lack of or inadequate information on the quantity of the obsolete solar panels and their related environmental impacts, as well as proper incentives, and regulatory policies on waste solar panel management are major hinderances for the safe disposal of waste solar panels their materials. In this case study, surveys at solar panel manufacturers, solar power plants and rooftop solar systems have been conducted. The collected information and data are then used to derive solar panel’s lifespan and estimate the amount of waste solar panel till 2050. It is estimated that the cumulative amount of waste solar panel generated in 2022 is about 148 thousand tonnes and is projected to increase to 1.7 million tonnes by 2050. Based on that, sound management solutions toward circular economy have been proposed to properly manage waste solar panel in Vietnam.

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