I need to plan for waste recycling and disposal at a construction site and want to know if the PV panels (about 6 MW worth, a mix of roof mounted and ground mounted) will be boxed in cardboard, crated in wood, delivered on returnable racks, or...? What's typical? WHat's the range of possibilities? Are there specs that require recyclable packaging for PV? Thanks -

Kelly,
You need to check or even define the package with your PV panel supplier. For such a large project a return of e.g. wooden pallets or other specific packaging material to your supplier can make sense from a cost point for both sides. Some packaging like cardboard and wrapping foil should be recycled and because the material can be sorted directly during unpacking you might even get some money for this clean but used material.
Some companies use pallets and plastic stacking corners for their PV modules. Some costumers required not full stacked pallets because of available roof loads during mounting of the modules so a full pallet can be put on the roof for installation. The package depends on the type and size of modules. I have seen cardboard boxes for modules and also specific designed crates.
Returnable packaging still needs to be implemented like in the automotive industry. Often only small amounts of panels are shipped to a location, so a general returnable packaging is not used from a cost point.

Kelly,
I know a company which manufactures returnable packaging materials in a sizable production.

Rolf,
Many thanks for your insights. I will recommend that the procurement specs include a provision for returnable, reusable or recyclable packaging and some incentive (maybe a 2% "pricing allowance") for avoiding problem packaging like Styrofoam or hard-to-recycle plastics.

Dear Kelly,
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