Recently, the Inner Mongolia Standardization Association has publicly solicited opinions on the group standard "Guidelines for the rejection of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules." The document was initiated by Inner Mongolia Runeng Energy Co., Ltd., with participation from multiple organizations including RESOLAR, Ltd. It aims to standardize the scrapping criteria for photovoltaic modules and promote green recycling and sustainable development in the industry.

Guidelines for the rejection of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules

Preface

Classification of Scrapped Photovoltaic Modules:

Based on whether they have lost functionality and safety performance, scrapped photovoltaic modules are classified as follows:

a) Photovoltaic modules that have lost functional performance, i.e., those with issues in basic structure or electrical properties that affect functionality;

b) Photovoltaic modules that have lost safety performance, i.e., those with functional performance but structural or electrical safety issues;

c) Photovoltaic modules that have not yet lost functionality and safety performance, i.e., those without structural or electrical issues affecting functionality and safety, but with visible defects or significant degradation in electrical performance under specific testing methods.

Any PV modules that has lost functional performance and cannot be repaired or has high repair costs should be scrapped;

For PV modules that have not lost functional performance but have lost safety performance and cannot be repaired or have high repair costs, they should be scrapped;

For PV modules with safety and functional performance but visible defects or significant degradation in electrical performance under specific testing methods, the owner may decide whether to scrap them.

For electrical components (e.g., junction boxes), structural parts (e.g., aluminum frames), and encapsulation materials (e.g., EVA films), if their performance can be restored to the original design standards through replacement or professional repair, such components can be re-evaluated in the scrapping judgment process after repair.

Inspection Items and Standards for Scrapping Judgment of PV modules:

1. Visual Inspection—Lost Functional Performance

2. Insulation Resistance Test—Lost Safety Performance

3. Dielectric Withstand and Leakage Current Test—Lost Safety Performance

【If any one or more items in 1, 2, or 3 fail and cannot be repaired or have high repair costs, the component should be scrapped】

4. Infrared (IR) Scanning Test—Not Yet Lost Functionality and Safety Performance

5. Electroluminescence (EL) Imaging Test—Not Yet Lost Functionality and Safety Performance

6. Power Degradation Rate Test—Not Yet Lost Functionality and Safety Performance

【If items 1, 2, and 3 all pass, but any one or more items in 4, 5, or 6 fail, the PV modules can be scrapped】