The first solution that comes to mind when addressing e-waste is responsible, environmentally friendly and safe recycling. The most effective and efficient solution, however, is not producing e-waste in the first place. Various approaches span across a wide spectrum from design for durability to design for recycling to full circular design of the system. This module explores waste prevention and reduction strategies that can be employed at the early stages of a solar module’s lifecycle such as design and manufacturing; as well as touching upon circular design principles and case studies of companies (both within the sector and out) that have applied some of these strategies to their products.
Briefing Note
This Briefing Note identifies tools and strategies to reduce waste in the off-grid solar sector. It takes a holistic approach, recognising that it is most effective and efficient to start by not producing waste. It explores product, services and business models that can reduce waste and includes case studies of four innovative companies and products.
Resources
- Slide deck – Module 2 – Design for Reduction of E-Waste
- Catalogue of Service Providers (only for GOGLA members)