An integrated product-service system approach for maximizing photovoltaic module lifespan and resource circularity
Dana ALHANBALI, Ibrahim SHABAN
Abstract. The acceleration of the global adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems brings the challenge of managing the enormous volume expected to be discarded by 2050. To cope with this issue, most management practices focus on material recycling, which is costly and delivers limited environmental benefits. This research explores alternative integrated Product- Service System (PSS)-Circular Economy (CE) models. These models aim to keep PV modules in extending the lifespan of PV modules by prioritizing reuse, repair, and refurbishment, aligning with the CE principles. This approach includes outlining conceptual frameworks, assessing economic and environmental impacts, and utilization of multi-criteria decision analysis ranking different CE options. The study also considers practical obstacles, such as design restrictions, cost barriers, and public hesitation toward refurbished equipment. Furthermore, it identifies the enabling conditions that could support adoption of the proposed PSS models. The results offer valuable guidance for industry and policymakers, demonstrating how PSS-based strategies can contribute to a more circular PV sector, achieving significant economic and environmental gains.
Keywords
Solar Photovoltaic Modules, End-of-Life Management, Circular Economy, Product-Service Systems, Resource Circularity
Published online 6/20/2026, 6 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Dana ALHANBALI, Ibrahim SHABAN, An integrated product-service system approach for maximizing photovoltaic module lifespan and resource circularity, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 67, pp 984-989, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904176-133
The article was published as article 133 of the book Climate Action and Sustainability
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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