Solar’s circular moves at ‘critical juncture’, report indicates

A report on the solar industry warns ‘the time is now’ to implement circular economy measures that help it meet government net-zero targets.

The report, From Linear to Circular: Evidence from the UK solar sector, highlights circular economy initiatives, including a project where used car tyres could play a role in manufacturing solar panels, and another where old solar panels are revived for use in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The report outlines and addresses environmental concerns over the volume of materials embedded in UK solar installations, citing an estimated 1,52,523t of aluminium, 8,745t of copper and 6,67,947t of glass by the end of 2023, highlighting how they could become a problematic waste stream in the future.

It advocates for a wholesale rethink of product design, material use and end-of-life management so that materials and products are kept in circulation for as long as possible. 

The report also identifies the barriers to circularity, such as a lack of end-of-life policies, design limitations and data gaps.

Report co-author Ananda Nidhi, an Impact Fellow at the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy and CE-Hub of NICER programme, says, ‘The time to do this is now. The UK solar sector is at a critical juncture, with substantial growth whilst operating on a linear model.

'By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, the UK can lead the way in creating a resilient and sustainable solar energy industry.’