Sustainable Photovoltaic Waste Recycling: Materials, Technology and Circular Economy
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 8 May 2026 | Viewed by 36
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid expansion of the photovoltaic (PV) industry has positioned solar energy as a cornerstone of global energy transition; however, the increasing volume of end-of-life (EoL) PV modules presents pressing environmental, technical, and economic challenges. Sustainable recycling and resource recovery are therefore critical to ensuring the long-term viability of the PV sector and aligning it with circular economy principles. This Special Issue, “Sustainable Photovoltaic Waste Recycling: Materials, Technology and Circular Economy” invites original research and review articles addressing innovative recycling technologies, material recovery strategies, life-cycle assessment, and policy frameworks that support a sustainable PV waste management system. Contributions that highlight advances in recycling methods, recycling business models, policy, and environmental impacts are welcome. Interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technology, supply chain resilience, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic implications are also encouraged. By fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and policymakers, this Special Issue aims to provide comprehensive insights into how sustainable PV waste recycling can accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient energy future.
Dr. Jing Li
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photovoltaic waste recycling
- circular economy
- end-of-life solar modules
- resource recovery
- recycling technologies
- critical raw materials
- life-cycle assessment (LCA)
- sustainable energy systems
- policy and regulation
- industrial ecology
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