Sustainability of solar installations

Solar energy systems are made of materials that are fully recyclable – so that they can also be used by future generations. This is important to bear in mind.

Energy amortisation and grey energy

The energy required to manufacture a solar module is equivalent to the energy that it can produce in two years. The energy expended is therefore recouped after two years – and that is with a lifespan of 35 years! It thus produces a ‘plus’ for 33 years.

The environmental standards

In the solar energy sector, niche technologies such as CIS, CIGS and CdTe thin-film technologies work with rare earths, which is not sustainable. Megasol, on the other hand, relies exclusively on environmentally friendly silicon solar cells. Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen (O) and the main component of stone and sand. This means that this element is available in almost unlimited quantities. Ethical and ecological behaviour is an integral part of Megasol’s DNA. That is why Megasol exceeds all recognised environmental and social standards (e.g. RoHS and WEEE directives, ILO labour and social standards, UN Global Compact principles, ICC Charter, SA8000 standard, as well as ISO 14001, ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 certifications).

Solar modules and recycling

Solar modules with silicon cells are made of harmless materials such as glass, silicon (processed sand), aluminium, copper, silver and a small amount of plastic (encapsulation films, connection technology). All these materials can be recycled without concern. Megasol is a member of the organisations ECOEM and Take-e-way, as well as the SENS eRecycling foundation. The latter takes back disused solar modules free of charge and ensures that they are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.