| Summary: | Photovoltaic (PV) energy production is a promising and mature technology for producing renewable energy. By contrast, solar panel disposals can generate problems for waste management, given that the amount of PV solar energy e-waste is more significant than other types of e-waste, given that this waste contains abundant metals and toxic materials, and given that this energy is being increasingly used. Local solutions need to be discussed and evaluated so that the PV industry can provide sustainable renewable energy. This paper discusses the environmental impacts of PV solar energy and PV panel recycling in Brazil. More efficient technological solutions and process developments will be needed to adequately treat problems arising at the end of the useful life cycle of PV systems. However, more than these technological solutions and process developments are required. Political mechanisms and regulatory structures will also need to be developed and implemented at the end of the life cycle stage to prepare, encourage, and develop appropriate industrial waste treatment applications. The advent of sector agreements for electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil has partially dealt with these waste problems. Sector agreements list equipment and devices that must have defined reverse logistics systems.
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