On March 3, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and the National Energy Administration jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Comprehensive Utilization of Photovoltaic Modules.

The Opinions point out that

1. Targets for 2027

The green production level of photovoltaic modules will be improved, the proportion of recycled materials used will be increased, and the evaluation and testing standards for waste disposal will be refined.

Key technologies such as dismantling, separation, and extraction will achieve breakthroughs, expanding the application of comprehensive utilization products in multiple fields.

A batch of technical standards for green design and comprehensive utilization of photovoltaic modules will be formulated, and a group of backbone enterprises specializing in the comprehensive utilization of retired photovoltaic modules will be cultivated. The cumulative comprehensive utilization volume of photovoltaic modules will reach 250,000 tons.

2. Targets for 2030

The technological equipment and industrial innovation capabilities will be significantly enhanced, expanding the application scenarios and methods of products.

A comprehensive utilization capability for retired photovoltaic modules will be established, featuring upstream and downstream collaboration, rational layout, and the ability to cope with large-scale retirement waves.

3. Improve the ease of dismantling and utilization of photovoltaic modules.

4. Increase the proportion of recycled materials used. Support cooperation between photovoltaic glass, silicon-based materials, junction boxes, aluminum frames, and other component parts manufacturers and comprehensive utilization enterprises to enhance the proportion of recycled plastics, silicon-based materials, non-ferrous metals, and glass in component parts.

5. Clarify the criteria for determining the retirement of photovoltaic modules.

6. Guide relevant parties to standardize the trading of retired photovoltaic modules. Guide photovoltaic module manufacturers, photovoltaic power stations, and power station construction parties to transfer waste generated during production, substandard products with quality issues during use, remnants damaged during transportation and construction, and retired components with low photoelectric conversion efficiency or expired service life to comprehensive utilization enterprises. Manufacturers, photovoltaic power stations, and power station construction parties that entrust others to transport, utilize, or dispose of retired photovoltaic modules should verify the qualifications and technical capabilities of the entrusted parties and stipulate pollution prevention requirements.