Is PV Hazardous Waste? [RE-wrenches]

[graham at solarexpert.com]

Dear Wrenches,

Today I was informed that PV modules are classified as “hazardous 
waste”.  This statement kind of stunned me and was unsure as to the best 
response except to inform the potential customer that I am perplexed 
will look into it.

The potential customer is a non-profit environmental organization based 
in Los Angeles.  They re-roofed a couple of months ago and we installed 
the solar mounts during the roofing process.  Below is a copy of an 
e-mail that was forwarded to me:

> Gang,
> 
> As you know, I have a lot of reservations about PV units.  While they 
> do harness electrical power from the sun without producing additional 
> pollution, they are energy intensive to produce and are listed as 
> hazardous waste to remove and dispose when their service life is 
> over.

> However, I have followed the development of several innovations in > PV 
> production.  The web site below describes the efforts of a company 
> that produces a roof tile PV that produces more electricity than 
> stiff, box PV units.  The silicone is sprayed on aluminum sheets; the 
> connections are all snap together.  This product can be installed 
> either on top of existing roofing or instead of roofing tile 
> materials.  Each section is an 8-foot long "shingle" that does not 
> require a special rack or moorings.  The system is relatively 
> lightweight compared to a box system.  A system can be assembled at 
> the size required to fill the needs of the particular building.
> 
> Take a look at this site.  Let me know what you think.


I did not include the link but any advice as to how to respond will 
certainly be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Graham Owen

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