In Croatia, manufacturers and importers of photovoltaic panels have been paying a fee for the management of electrical and electronic waste (EE waste) for several years. Despite this, the infrastructure for the collection and processing of this waste has not yet been established. In addition, investors who have faced damage to photovoltaic modules have had to bear the costs themselves. This situation raises the question of the justification for paying the fee.

The fee for managing the waste from solar panels is 0.30 euros per kilogram, which is several times higher than in other EU member states. Also, the imposition of disproportionately high EE waste fees in the case of photovoltaic modules is not based on the actual share of EE waste, which has significant negative consequences for the renewable energy sector, especially in the context of solar energy development.

For the continued sustainable development of the renewable energy sector, it is necessary to adjust the system of fees for EE waste, taking into account the actual shares of recyclable materials in photovoltaic panels and to provide investors with more favorable conditions for further investment in solar energy. This would also contribute to Croatia's energy independence, reduce costs for end users and reduce the administrative burden for investors. This measure would be in line with national and European climate goals and encourage the achievement of ambitious climate standards.