The document discusses solar photovoltaic (PV) module recycling. It notes that while some regulations exist, there is currently little actual recycling of PV modules being done. Reasons given include the small volumes of waste generated and the long lifetime of modules. Some research on recycling methods is mentioned, including separating and recovering materials from thin film cadmium telluride modules. Maintaining thin film PV technologies like cadmium telluride is discussed as important for achieving high efficiencies and low costs despite concerns about the materials used.
9. How sure are we that we have the proper balance of good/bad in our valuations – e.g., does CdTe get a credit for sequestering waste Cd from zinc mining? How about improved energy-payback for thin films?