Supply Chain of Second Life PV Modules for Reuse in Europe - Investigating circular service models for solar power industry

The transition to lowcarbon energy technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) brings a range of practical challenges for endusers, supply chain actors, and society. As the deployment of the technology is rising, the projections suggest that an i ncreasing volume of PV modules are decommissioned well before reaching their end of technical lifetimes. While recycling or landfilling are preferred as the current fate of decommissioned PVs, the functional modules could still be introduced into a second life, following the circular economy strategies such as reuse, repair and repurpose. However, the current second life market exists as a niche and is considered unattractive for several reasons. Despite a growing interest in PVs and circular practices, the re is a lack of empirical research about the largescale development and implementation of new markets dedicated to the second life of PVs. In order to assess the reasons for the slow adoption in a holistic way, the study visualises the activities governin g the supply chain of second life PVs. With the intention to consider the different perspectives and interrelated business models, the study centres on the activities which slow the resource loops in the circular economy framework. Using semistructured in terviews with relevant experts in the EU landscape, the study adds to (and draws on) the limited available literature on second life PVs. The mapping of material, information and monetary flows between the activities is used to explain the current situatio n, the notable drivers, constraints and possible solutions for advancing the circular agenda. The findings indicate that (i) financial viability for both the supply and demand side, (ii) legal regulations, (iii) operational aspects and (iv) market acceptan ce limit the development of second life activities in the EU. Three enabling recommendations are put forward. Firstly, an advancement in the legal regulations and incentives regarding second life activities can give a qualitative boost to the overall secto r. Secondly, an increase in collaboration between the different actors can reduce the significant cost factor in the supply chain, i.e., reverse logistics. Thirdly, a positive change in the perception concerning second life can create desirability of secon d life PVs among the entire supply chain. Overall, the study underlines that interventions beyond the company level are key to achieving a circular economy in the solar power industry and its intended goals.