A ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association) participated, this Wednesday (23), in the 6th GT meeting (Work group) Brazilian RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances, in free translation).
The GT is promoted by the National Chemical Safety Council of MMA (Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) about the RoHS Regulation, which deals with the control of dangerous substances em electronic products.
The regulation proposes restrict substances such as mercury, lead e cadmium, seeking to avoid impacts on human health and environment due to improper disposal of products.
During the meeting, the ABSOLAR defended the exclusion of photovoltaic modules from the draft regulation due to its technical specifications and long life cycle, unlike other products on the list.
The inclusion of these panels in the standard could negatively impact the solar sector, which already has its own mechanisms for sustainability process e recycling.
Furthermore, the association reiterated the need for a SCHEDULE de specific reverse logistics protocols for solar sector with proper disposal management at the end of its useful life.
In the GT it was decided to removal of solar modules from the regulations. The MMA reported that it updated the Annex I of the Decree No. 10.240 / 2020, which lists 215 electronic products covered by reverse logistics and has committed to publishing the specific decree in 2025.
According to the document “Assessment of the hazardousness of photovoltaic module waste using Brazilian standard NBR 10004“, presented at the 7th International Congress on Technologies for the Environment, eight hazardous substances may be present in solar panels.
As (arsenic); Ba (Barium); Cd (Cadmium); Cr (Chrome); Pb (Lead); Hg (Mercury); If (Selenium) and Ag (Silver) may be present in the modules, however, its use is rare. Almost all of the panels used in the world are made from silicon.
O silicon is one of the materials most abundant on the planet, It is not toxic, does not cause harm to the environment and is found naturally in sand and quartz crystals, for example.
According to Ecycle, recycling company, lead, cadmium and mercury cause severe damage to the environment and human health. Check it out:
To prevent damage in cases where these substances are present, it is Correct disposal of solar panels is required.
Today it is possible take advantage of more than 90% of the materials used. The panels have a useful life that can vary from 24 to 40 years, and must be disposed of correctly by specialized companies that guarantee a correct environmental process that meets PNRS (National Solid Waste Policy) avoiding incorrect disposal and environmental pollution.
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