Green Toolkit for Space
Medium

Solar panel toxic manufacturing waste

Production of photovoltaic cells generates toxic byproducts including cadmium compounds, silicon tetrachloride, and solvent waste.
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal
EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Jurisdiction
EU
Components
Power System Solar Panels
Lifecycle Stages
Satellite Manufacturing
Environmental Concerns
Resource Depletion Toxic Material Usage

Obligations (1)

REACH compliance for hazardous substances

High
Manufacturers must register, evaluate, and obtain authorisation for use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in satellite components.
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal
EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Jurisdiction
EU

Opportunities (1)

Circular economy in satellite manufacturing

Medium
Implement design-for-recycling principles, use recycled materials, and establish take-back programmes to reduce resource consumption and waste.
ESA Clean Space Initiative EU
ESA Clean Space Initiative Policy
European Space Agency programme targeting environmental sustainability in space activities.
Jurisdiction
EU
Open source (opens in a new tab)
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal
EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Jurisdiction
EU