PV Cycle: Making Europe’s photovoltaic industry “DoubleGreen”

The Photovoltaic industry is committed to contribute to fighting climate change by making Photovoltaic (PV) energy fully sustainable. PV CYCLE was founded in July 2007 to implement this environmental commitment. While it will be another 10 years until large scale series of PV modules reach their end of life, PV CYCLE’s objective is to create a European voluntary take-back and recovery scheme for PV modules.

PV modules are a key source of clean, renewable energy. In addition, by recovery most of the materials from these modules, the industry will decrease waste and reduce the demand for raw materials for the production of these modules. Recovery will make PV modules “DoubleGreen”.

Today, 28 companies representing around 70% of the photovoltaic industry in Europe have joined PV CYCLE and are working together to create the scheme.

PV CYCLE members are currently accomplishing phase I of the programme:        

-       Generating reliable base line data

-       Defining ambitious but feasible collection and recovery targets

As of Spring 2009, PV CYCLE is looking to implement the scheme in key markets, together with an effective monitoring system.

PV CYCLE is aiming to include all PV Module manufactures, importers and wholesalers in Europe. “Full market representation is key to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of our programme. Joining “PV CYCLE” today will give new members the opportunity to shape the scheme to make it an exemplary business model.” says Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE, appointed in April 2008.

For more information on joining PV CYCLE, please visit our website: www.pvcycle.org