Thousands of photovoltaic power plant operators did not register in time for the collective system that was supposed to handle solar panel recycling. At the same time, they had until last summer. The Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) has started random checks to detect solar operators breaking the law. He estimates the event will end next month.
By comparing the database of photovoltaic power plant operators with the database of collective systems, according to ČIŽP spokesperson Simona Cigánková, it can be said that theoretically up to 4,500 operators do not fulfill their obligations, these are mostly systems with less power. But Cigánková points out that these are just theoretical numbers.
According to the spokesperson, in order for the inspection to determine exactly how many solar generators are violating the law, they have to check 22,000 entities. Those who do not report face penalties of up to ten million crowns.
According to the spokesperson, the current control measure should check about 50 operators. “We will be able to talk about the number of sanctions when we evaluate the results of the controls and when our decision on possible sanctions becomes legally binding,” said a spokesman for ČIŽP.
Little inspector, little control
According to Cigánková, a larger number of inspections was not possible due to the inspection staff, one in 75 inspectors numbering around 300 operators. “Therefore, checks are carried out randomly on operators who can conclude from the available information that they are not fulfilling their obligations,” the spokesperson said. Since the control events, the inspectorate promised that even those who have not registered will try to quickly correct the illegal situation.
Solar power plant operators must have been registered in the collective system by the end of June 2013. This obligation applies to solar power plant installations, the operation of which is ensured by solar panels, which are marketed before 1 January 2013.
Dozens of people are late
Asekol Solar project manager Tomáš Kešner confirmed to the E15.cz server that the operator is still registering for the collective system. “The inflow is slowing but still hovering around 10 to 20 per week,” he said. According to him, currently Asekol Solar has nearly 5,800 operators.
The owner of the power plant for the collective system charged, set by the Ministry of Environment at 8.50 crowns per kilogram. The decision also sets a conversion factor that overstates the actual weight of the panels and thereby artificially inflates costs. According to solar workers, the pay is very high.
Collective systems have an obligation to take care of their disposal and recycling after their useful life. “Whoever has more than 20 pieces to collect, we will transport the panels ourselves. If it’s lacking, he’ll take them to the pick-up point, or he’ll arrange with the operator and they’ll get on every now and then,” said Kešner.
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