Damaged photovoltaic modules: how to manage disposal
In an industrial plant, the failure of one or more components before the end of their natural life cycle is an event that can compromise the profitability of the investment. Whether caused by manufacturing defects, such as delamination or cell microcracks, or by external events, the management of damaged photovoltaic modules requires a rigorous procedure to protect energy production and maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.
Table of contents
Claim management: activating the product warranty
When an abnormal drop in performance is detected, the first step is to verify the terms for replacing photovoltaic panels under warranty. It is essential to distinguish between the product warranty, which covers manufacturing defects, and the performance warranty, which relates to the linear decrease in output over time.
To properly submit a photovoltaic warranty claim, the technical department or O&M partner must prepare technical documentation including:
- Traceability of the serial numbers of the defective modules.
- Diagnostic reports, such as thermographic inspections or I-V curve analysis, confirming the malfunction.
- Photographic evidence of the damage or defect identified.
It is important to note that many manufacturers’ warranty policies provide only the replacement module; in standard commercial practice, unless otherwise specified by contract or covered by insurance, the costs of removal, transport, and handling of the removed module are often excluded from the manufacturer’s standard warranty.
Disposal of defective photovoltaic modules and communication to the GSE
A critical aspect concerns the handling of the removed panel, which becomes, in all respects, professional WEEE. The correct procedure for disposing of defective photovoltaic modules requires the responsible party to manage the waste transfer in compliance with regulations governing photovoltaic panel disposal.
In the case of incentivized systems (such as those under the Conto Energia scheme), the replacement of components must be tracked and reported to the GSE in accordance with current procedures. Documentation of the intervention, including the serial numbers of the newly installed modules, is essential to ensure the continuity of incentive payments and to successfully pass any inspections.
Hail and external damage: the role of the insurance policy
If the damage is caused by weather events, the procedure shifts to the insurance side. Where industrial photovoltaic hail insurance is in place, the company can often recover not only the value of the material, but also the related site expenses. In these cases, proof of proper disposal through the Waste Identification Form (FIR) is often required during the claim assessment, especially when the damage involves the replacement of damaged modules.
For proper management of damaged photovoltaic modules, it is essential to rely on a qualified partner such as Southenergy, capable of supporting the company in technical analysis, operational management of the intervention, and compliance-related requirements.
Fill out the form below to receive more information.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
In standard commercial practice, unless otherwise specified by contract or covered by specific O&M agreements, the costs of removal, transport, and handling of the removed module are often excluded from the manufacturer’s standard warranty. As a result, logistics and disposal at authorized facilities are typically borne by the plant owner.
If the manufacturer is bankrupt, activating the warranty is, in most cases, not feasible. In such situations, the company must independently manage the restoration of the system and verify whether the damage is covered under any existing all-risk insurance policies tailored for industrial assets.
Product warranties are generally limited to supplying the replacement component. Costs related to technical teams, lifting equipment (such as cranes), and site safety measures on the factory roof are typically excluded and remain an operational expense (OPEX) for the system owner.
All technical documentation related to the intervention must be retained, including installation reports listing both the removed and newly installed module serial numbers. This traceability is essential for updating technical records with the GSE, particularly for systems benefiting from incentive schemes like the “Conto Energia”.
Are you interested and would like to receive more information? Contact us using the form below.