On May 27th, 2011, the Council of the European Union revised and clarified its Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS), maintaining an exception for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.

This ruling means that cadmium telluride PV modules, such as those produced by First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona, U.S.), can continue to be sold in the European Union.

Concerns about cadmium telluride disposal prompt recycling programs

The law was first adopted in 2003, and bans six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including lead, mercury and cadmium.

Cadmium is a moderately toxic element, one of two components in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film PV modules. Concerns about disposal of CdTe modules have led PV module manufacturers including First Solar to implement module recycling programs.

The European Commission states that the May 27th 2011 ruling extends the scope of the ban to more products, as well as harmonizing its application across the EU.

The Council states that the law as adopted also obliges the European Commission to regularly review and adapt the list of restricted substances, meaning that other substances in electronic and electrical equipment may be banned in the future.

2011-05-30| Courtesy: Council of the European Union; Photo: Alchemist-hp | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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