The government is planning to make the recycling of solar panels mandatory in Japan, according to sources. As the number of solar panels in the country continues to increase, concerns have arisen about their disposal once they reach the end of their useful lives in the 2030s. To mitigate the environmental impact, companies and individuals will be required to recycle these panels. The government is also considering implementing penalties for those who choose to discard or abandon them instead.
To address this issue, a panel of experts from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Environment Ministry will be established later this month. Their goal will be to develop specific methods for recycling solar panels and create a package of support measures that may include financial assistance. It is expected that these measures will be compiled by the end of this year and a related bill will be submitted during next year’s ordinary Diet session.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, solar power gained popularity as an alternative energy source. Consequently, solar panels rapidly spread across Japan, resulting in a total installed capacity of 85 million kilowatts by fiscal year 2022 – making Japan third globally.
Currently, recycling solar panels is not mandatory and many end up in landfills. This poses an environmental concern as certain types contain toxic materials like lead or cadmium. Although their disposal has not yet had a significant impact due to their long lifespan (20-30 years), it is estimated that over 170,000 tons of solar panels will need proper disposal by the late 2030s.
To maximize resource utilization, materials such as glass and silicon recovered from used solar panels can be reused. The panel of experts will explore strategies for collecting easily recyclable solar panels.
Internationally, countries like European Union member states have mandated recycling for used solar panels since 2012. In addition to requiring recycling efforts domestically, Japan aims to promote perovskite solar cells (PSCs) – lightweight and foldable cells invented within its borders – which can be applied on building walls or car roofs but have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional ones (around 10 years). To encourage PSC adoption while addressing potential waste issues associated with them later on through recycling subsidies partially covering costs may be considered by authorities aiming at fostering an effective PSC recycling system.
Given that many materials needed for PSC production can be sourced domestically – enhancing national security – if Japan successfully develops PSCs as alternatives to Chinese-made cheap conventional models dominating both domestic and foreign markets currently it could potentially lead global market trends.