Exploring the perceptions on the effectiveness of solid waste management of end-of-life photovoltaic installations in Gauteng

Abstract

As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of clean energy, halving the greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (United Nations, 2024), the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has gained widespread adoption. The popularity of solar PV in South Africa is partly due to the sustainability goals, but mostly due to the intermittent energy supply from South Africa's current power provider. The most populous province in South Africa, Gauteng, has embraced PV energy developments. PV installations in the province include small-scale urban solar farms, concentrated solar panels on high-rise corporate buildings and shopping malls, as well as individual installations for emerging enterprises, small businesses, and households. However, as Gauteng addresses one crisis, it faces another: the effective management of end-of-life (EoL) PV installations. The aim of this research is to explore of perceptions regarding effectiveness of solid waste management related to EoL PV installations and provide recommendations for their effective management, with a focus on Gauteng as a case study area. To achieve this, the study firstly conducted a literature review to explore global practices for EoL PV installation management and secondly interviewed sixteen (16) stakeholders who were either involved in the field of energy management and development or waste management to understand their perceptions of EoL PV management in Gauteng. The literature review revealed a global shift towards sustainability, not only in renewable energy use but also in the sustainable and circular management of waste generated by EoL PVinstallations. The interviews highlighted the current state of waste management in Gauteng and its connection to EoL PV installations in the province. The general perceptions amongst respondents were that they were concerned about the state of preparedness of the waste management services of Gauteng for the management of EoL PV. Respondents highlighted several significant concerns in the management of (EoL) PV solar waste. These concerns included challenges in infrastructure management, insufficient enforcement of landfill prohibitions, a lack of viable recycling alternatives and implementation strategies, issues with the existing legal framework, a widespread lack of compliance among the public, and limited enforcement. Additionally, the government's capacity to enforce EoL PV solar waste management was deemed inadequate. This lack of enforcement was often attributed to poor understanding of the legal framework and the capacity of enforcers in the public sector. These concerns underscore the complexities and challenges surrounding the management of EoL PV solar waste. Finally, the dissertation provides recommendations towards more sustainable management of EoL PV solar waste.