Promoting the use of renewable sources should ensure not only an increase in the number of renewable sources, but also economic development, thereby increasing employment, productivity and investment. This should be in line with the principles of the circular economy model. For many years there has been growing interest in harnessing solar energy to produce electricity using photovoltaic equipment.

The advantages include an unlimited energy source as well as the possibility of power modulation. On the other hand, the gradual ageing of photovoltaic installations is certainly a disadvantage. While previously limited to small capacity, photovoltaic sources can now be used to generate capacity measured in MW.

The rapid development of photovoltaic technology in recent years has been possible thanks to support schemes for green energy. PV modules produced in the 90s should be recycled, with recycling technologies being needed for all the materials used to produce them. It is essential to maximise the use of these same materials in the manufacture of subsequent equipment.

1. Does the Commission intend to increase financial support for the development of recycling for RES, especially in the solar energy sector?

2. How have EU funds been allocated so far in this area?

3. Is the Commission helping to fund research into the recycling of RES technical components?