Recycling Case Study: Infineon
There’s a big secret in solar. Ironically, the very systems that were installed to offset carbon emissions often end up being decommissioned and unethically disposed of in landfills and oceans. This contradicts and offsets our industry’s mission to fight back against global warming.
Luckily, solar system owners *can* honorably decommission their modules.
Most solar system owners don’t think about the moment when they’ll have to replace or recycle their system until that very issue is sitting in their lap. As a result, many solar system owners lose precious time and money that otherwise could be avoided. Furthermore, when solar systems aren’t decommissioned by experienced, ethical professionals, they often end up discarded in a way that pollutes the planet they intended to protect.
A Decom Solar Success Story
Infineon, a producer of semi-conductors found themselves needing to reroof two buildings. The company ran an RFP process with roofing vendors for the projects which included removal of their aging solar systems.
There are two common pitfalls in situations like this:
- Inexperienced roofers who are not familiar with solar systems or costs associated with the removal, and
- Potential for unethical solar decommissioning
In this case, since the modules were dated Siemens and Sunpower low wattage and frameless, it would be unlikely that a roofing company would know how to handle this material. With experience installing solar systems just like this, Decom Solar presented viable solutions to handle the removal.
Without our help, the awarded roofer would have disposed of these modules in a landfill, due to budget constraints. We worked directly with the roofing outfit to properly support a successful reroofing process and recycle all of the solar components.
As a result, the end customer not only saved money and a headache, but could have a clear conscience about the handling of their solar modules with the environment in mind.
At Decom Solar, we look to every option available when it comes to decommissioning your solar system. In fact, recycling is often our last resort, as we strive to find a home for working equipment through resale (offsetting construction costs) or coordinating the donation of working solar modules to underserved communities.
There is a lot of industry discussion around solar recycling, but it is important to ensure that the recycling is being done properly. Decom Solar is committed to working with partners that keep solar modules out of landfills and finding the most ethical decommissioning solution.
Curious about the Decom Solar experience? Inquire here.
