Extended Life Solar
Leveraging prematurely decommissioned panels to provide highly affordable clean power
As a core component of our mission to drive climate-friendly industrialization and transition to sustainable power in emerging economies, we are repurposing millions of high-quality, prematurely decommissioned solar panels from the U.S. to Sub Saharan Africa.
There they will play a critical role in providing highly affordable and sustainable electricity.
In the coming years, millions of solar panels that still have 10-15 years of usable life are expected to be retired early in the US and Europe to be replaced by new high-efficiency panels.
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Currently, there are no good options for dealing with these panels in their home markets. After they are decommissioned, the panels only add new costs to the existing ecosystem. Most decommissioned panels are at least 10 years old but still functioning at greater than 90% of their original efficiency.
The vast majority are usable as-is. In addition to the panels, inverters and batteries are also available as part of the decommissioning projects, as they are replaced by electronics compatible with the new-generation panels.
ITT’s initiative addresses a significant environmental challenge by receiving donated panels for repurpose in regions where access to electricity remains limited and costly.
Decommissioned to Recommissioned
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1
Quality control
ITT and our partners have developed protocols for inspection and quality control to ensure the donated equipment is functioning and fit for use.
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2
Logistics
Before shipment, we manage end-to-end logistics to transport the equipment to its final destination. Once on site, we work with local partners to ensure proper installation, commissioning, and reliable operation
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3
End-of-life management
As the equipment reaches end-of-life, ITT works with local partners to ensure it is appropriately recycled or otherwise properly disposed in line with global best practices
The economics of extended life solar
Extended life solar panels enable electricity at a significantly lower cost compared to today and what would be possible with new panels.
Extended life solar panels enable electricity at a significantly lower cost compared to today and what would be possible with new panels
Initial demand would be driven by captive, high-wattage private sector applications.
In the long term, extended life solar also has the potential of catalyzing a range of electricity-enabled applications that are currently unaffordable,
ITT’s initiative not only exemplifies the potential for repurposing valuable resources but also highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing global environmental crisis.