The use of solar power generation facilities is growing throughout the world as a means of transitioning to a decarbonized society. However, the world is still trying to figure out how to dispose of solar power equipment that has reached the end of life. It is in this context that the EU has developed its legal system and is taking various measures to prevent final disposal of PV modules as much as possible. Specifically, there are PV module collection sites in the EU. People bring their discarded PV modules to those sites, and then the site managers appropriately act to minimize final disposal as much as possible.
In Japan, however, no such route for the sound treatment of PV modules exists. So we executed this project with the top aim of identifying the issues that should be expected if the collection sites already in use in the EU were introduced to Japan.

We began the project by importing to Japan collection boxes that are actually used at the EU’s collection sites from PV CYCLE, a non-profit organization based in Belgium that manages PV module collection sites. The boxes can be folded up and have removable lids. They also block out light (to prevent the generation of electricity) and can be sealed tight with their lid, which prevents their contents from flying out (and thereby prevents injuries from broken glass). Thus, they are designed for safety as well as convenience.
While importing the collection boxes, we also made arrangements with cooperating businesses to serve as collection sites in Tohoku and other areas. This led to installing a total of 14 collection sites, putting one or two sites in each prefecture. Because careless handling of PV can result in electric shock or injury from broken glass, we provided a document listing safety considerations to the collection site managers. We took the same safety document that PV CYCLE uses in the EU and translated it into Japanese.
Moreover, we invited a representative of PV CYCLE to Japan and discussed issues relating to collection site management together with our client. We also made one inspection visit to a collection site in Akita Prefecture together with PV CYCLE. PV CYCLE checked how the collection boxe were used and examined the management policies of the collection site managers, and then issued a document stating that the collection site had received assistance from PV CYCLE.
Finally, we prepared a project report and submitted it to our client. In it, we presented a project outline and its main outcome, and we discussed issues associated with installing a sound treatment route for PV modules in Japan and solutions to them.

Recommendations that were made based on the project were taken into consideration, and the following fiscal year, a model collection project for PV modules was conducted in Kyushu and other areas in addition to Tohoku. As a result, the network for installing a sound treatment route for PV modules has grown and basic data for policymaking has been gathered.