Suntech to Help Develop Solar Module Recycling
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., a crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, has joined the PV CYCLE association, which is engaged in establishing a voluntary take-back and recycling program for end-of-life PV modules.
"With over 1.1GW of Suntech solar products shipped worldwide since our inception, we believe it is essential that Suntech take a proactive role in developing effective recycling programs. We are looking forward to collaborating with the PV CYCLE association and further developing our internal module recycling initiative," said Jerry Stokes, Suntech's vice president of Strategy and Business Development.
PV CYCLE's Jan Clyncke said the group welcomes Suntech as the latest member to the association, which now covers around 80 percent of the European photovoltaic market with its 35-member companies. "We need to ensure the inclusion of all photovoltaic manufacturers and importers enforcing and maximizing the representation of our responsibility as producers. Doing so will make the photovoltaic industry truly DoubleGreen," she added.
PV modules are designed to generate clean, renewable energy for over 25 years. With the first significant installations in the early 1990s, full-scale end-of-life recycling is still another 10 to 15 years away. Nevertheless, the association is already developing concrete plans for a recycling program that minimizes waste and maximizes reuse of valuable resources such as glass, silicon, and aluminum.
Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets premium-quality, high-output, solar products for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and San Francisco and sales offices worldwide, the company says it is passionate about improving the environment and developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development.