Disposing of and transporting solar batteries
Photovoltaic systems are in vogue and are important for the energy transition. Many homeowners also supplement their solar system with a solar battery so that they can also use the self-generated electricity at night. These electricity storage systems are usually lithium-ion batteries. Although lithium iron phosphate batteries are usually used, which are considered less of a fire hazard than other lithium batteries, they are not completely harmless and are still classified as hazardous goods.
In this article, we explain how households can dispose of their solar batteries at the end of their useful life. On the other hand, professionals will learn how to transport new and used batteries safely and comply with the regulations.
How households can dispose of solar batteries:
Modern solar batteries last around 10 to 20 years, sometimes even longer. After that - or if they are accidentally damaged, for example - they must be disposed of. Simply throwing the power storage unit into the collection bins in retail stores is not an option, and not just for practical reasons: solar batteries are classed as industrial batteries and supermarkets and normal electrical shops do not have to accept them in the same way as classic, small rechargeable batteries.
For solar batteries purchased since the WEEE Directive came into force on 24 November 2015, the manufacturer or importer is generally responsible for disposal. Some recycling centres also accept solar batteries, even if they are not obliged to do so. You should enquire beforehand. As the solar batteries and the PV system are live and can therefore pose a risk during dismantling, it is advisable to commission a specialised contractor to dismantle them anyway.
Good to know: In principle, both solar modules and storage cells can be reused if they are still in good condition. Otherwise, it is also possible to recycle the most important raw materials in both cases, which works even better for batteries than for PV modules. Consumers should also consult specialists when it comes to uninstalling and disposing of the other modules in a PV system. Apart from the dangers of electric shocks, some of them also contain toxic substances.
RETRON does not work directly for households. To dispose of your private solar battery, it is best to contact the company from which you purchased the system or a local electrician. If you have removed the solar storage system yourself, you can hand it in to any retailer that sells industrial batteries in accordance with current legislation. This includes car dealers and bicycle dealers who sell electrically powered vehicles. Whether the solar batteries will be accepted there without legal assistance is another matter.
Transport and disposal of solar batteries by professionals
Even brand-new lithium-ion batteries count as hazardous goods. In addition, special packaging regulations and labelling requirements apply - actually. However, companies that install PV systems and solar batteries may be able to benefit from the so-called craftsmen's regulation. This significantly reduces the requirements. However, the batteries must still be transported safely.
Companies that do not fall under the contractor's professional regulation must adhere to the same strict rules when transporting electricity storage systems as, for example, freight forwarders. This means, among other things, that staff must be specially trained, packaging and vehicles must be labelled accordingly and strict packaging instructions must be followed. Special rules apply to the transport of solar energy storage systems that are to be disposed of. Damaged solar storage tanks can even pose an acute danger.
Good to know: Our fireproof boxes and containers for batteries not only have a storage capacity of up to 4 cubic metres, but also BAM and UN approval for the transport of particularly hazardous, damaged lithium-ion batteries. Even companies that do not have to adhere to the strict transport regulations can ensure additional safety for their employees.
Do you regularly need to transport and/or dispose of electricity storage units? Use our transport containers and disposal solutions! Get in touch with us. By disposing of problematic, defective solar storage systems, you also make a name for yourself as a reliable partner with customers and have the opportunity to sell a new device straight away.
