PV-Panels
PV modules & photovoltaics: Compliance obligations for solar energy
Solar energy has become a central pillar of the global energy transition. However, with the increasing demand for photovoltaic systems, the legal requirements for market players are also growing. PV modules are legally classified as electrical equipment and are therefore subject to strict EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) requirements.
Registration and reporting requirements for PV panels
Just as with conventional electrical appliances, batteries, or packaging, specific manufacturer obligations apply in the field of photovoltaics.
In Germany, the ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) is the relevant legal basis.
- Manufacturer registration: Anyone who places PV modules on the market in Germany must be registered with the ear foundation.
- Reporting: The quantities of modules placed on the market must be declared regularly and accurately.
- Europe-wide compliance: Since each EU country implements the WEEE Directive individually, companies operating across borders must comply with the respective national requirements (EPR) for PV modules.
The challenge: disposal and recycling
The greatest complexity in the life cycle of solar modules lies in the proper disposal of defective or discarded components.
Pickup coordination is particularly critical in Germany: as soon as the ear foundation issues an official pickup order, speed is of the essence. The law and operational procedures often require actual recycling to be carried out within an extremely short time frame of 72 hours.
Our service
ECOPV-EU provides you with competent support in complying with the provisions of German law and, if desired, will take over the complete implementation and administration of the ElektroG in your company. Our ElektroG service includes everything that is required. Apart from sending the required quantities to ECOPV-EU, you can sit back and relax and let us do the work for you.
Specific requirements for PV panel manufacturers
Registrations
PV producer are usually subject to compliance requirements in all 3 areas, except for the WEEE Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Packaging Act, if they also sell home energy storage systems, then on request the batteries Act must be registered as well.
Quantity reports
PV producer are also obliged to report input and output quantities to the authorities and EAR systems.
Insolvency-proof guarantee
As PV modules and inverters are subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElelektroG) and can be used in private households, an insolvency-proof guarantee is required here, as with all b2c devices.
Take-back
Photovoltaic producer can also be approached by ear collection coordination. Their own voluntary take-back concepts are often used as a means of meeting collection quotas.
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FAQs
What exactly is a PV panel?
Photovoltaic modules, or PV modules for short, are the most important component of a photovoltaic system, as they convert sunlight into usable electricity.
What aspects of PV need to be registered?
Conventional PV producer, who in addition to the production of panels also sell inverters and battery storage systems, are categorized under these three areas of law. According to ElektroG and BattG, they must be registered with the Stiftung ear and with the battery recycling system. As far as packaging is concerned, the standard requirement is to be registered in the ZSVR Central Agency Packaging Register and to have an approved system license.
How long does a PV module last?
Most producer of solar systems give guarantees of 20 to 25 years. Accordingly, buyers can assume that the system will last at least that long. The actual service life of the modules is 30 to 40 years. In some cases, it even goes beyond this.
What is the difference between solar and PV?
The basic difference between photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy is that photovoltaics generates electricity and solar thermal energy generates hot water. Both systems make use of solar energy.
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