Second-life PV modules turned into solar balconies in Germany

Second-life PV modules turned into solar balconies in Germany

A photovoltaic reuse initiative in Kassel, Germany, has repurposed 300 used solar modules to create 150 balcony PV systems.

The panels, which had operated for 13 years on the roof of an industrial building, were inspected, refurbished and distributed to participants in an upcycling project organized by ClimateHub Kassel and solar collective SoLocal Energy.

The project began with inspections of the 300 recovered modules. Twelve panels showed minor defects and were discarded, while the remaining modules were cleaned and fitted with new connectors for use in balcony PV systems. The recovered modules represent around 6 metric tons of material that would otherwise have entered recycling streams, where only certain material fractions can be recovered.

The organizers introduced a tiered pricing model to make the systems accessible to households with different budgets. Complete packages include modules, an inverter, mounting equipment, cabling and accessories, as well as electrical connection, system registration and monitoring setup.

A system comprising two 325 W CSW Excellent modules, for a total capacity of 650 W, costs €825 ...