Our study examines the reasons for discarding PV panels (End-of-Life PV) and exploring up-cycling options for such panels in buildings. A PV panel could be discarded for many reasons, viz., physical damages, poor output, economic, or safety-related, etc [1].While manufacturers consider PV panels with lower than 80% efficiency as degraded [2], on the field efficiencies lower than 50% are generally considered unserviceable [2]. PV plants could be decommissioned when not in operation for a certain period (30 days to 24 months) [4]. Through this survey we are trying to understand the End-of-Life handling and operational phase practices. 

[1]     S Durand and D Bowling, "Field Experience With Photovoltaic Systems: Ten-Year Assessment", Electric Power Research Institute, March 1993

[2]     L Sascha, K Ismail, W Karl-Anders, M David, T Marko," Review of Statistical and Analytical Degradation Models for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems as Well as Related Improvements", IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS, VOL. 8, NO. 6, NOVEMBER 2018

[3]    John H. Wohlgemuth, Daniel W. Cunningham, Paul Monus, Jay Miller, Andy Nguyen, " Long Term Reliability of Photovoltaic Modules", 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic     Energy Conference, 7-12 May 2006, Waikoloa, HI, USA

[4]    SolUnesco, "Review of Counties Solar decommissioning Requirements in Virginia," Aug 2018.