Search Results (42)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as the most preferred source of clean energy generation and has been deployed at a large scale. However, end-of-life management of the PV modules is a critical issue that has garnered the recent attention of lawmakers and researchers alike. Consequently, several researchers are actively developing technology to recycle the end-of-life PV modules. Since silicon PV modules account for more than 90% of the modules deployed globally, most of these efforts are focused on recycling crystalline silicon PV modules. Researchers have primarily focused on recovering pure silver from the contacts and pure Si from the solar cells. However, to ensure complete recyclability of such panels, the different polymers used in these modules must also be recycled. This review addresses the issue of recycling the polymers from end-of-life c-Si modules. Scopus and Google Scholar were used to search for the relevant literature. This review presents the current state-of-the-art technology related to polymer recycling found in the PV modules, the challenges encountered in their recycling, and the outlook. While research on the recycling of polymers has progressed in the last few decades, the instances of their applications in the recycling of polymers from PV panels are rarely reported in the literature. In this work, certain technical pathways, which can be employed to recycled polymers obtained from end-of-life PV panels, are presented. Recycling the polymers from the end-of-life silicon PV modules is crucial for improving the sustainability of solar PV technology. Full article

The growing volume of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) panels, projected to reach 60–78 million tons by 2050, poses significant environmental challenges. With landfilling being the most cost-effective but unsustainable disposal method, developing eco-friendly processes to recover valuable materials is essential. One potential solution for recovering raw materials from PV panels is thermal treatment. Therefore, in this study, PV modules were heat-treated at a low heating rate, and their components were manually separated with an average efficiency of 90%. The recovered silicon wafers and tempered glass sheets were utilized to fabricate new PV panels using lamination technology. The applied heating parameters enabled the cells to be removed from the PV panels without structural damage. However, the results of electroluminescence tests showed that thermal treatment significantly damages the p-n junctions, rendering direct reuse in new panels unfeasible. The thermal separation methods outlined in this study offer valuable opportunities for industries employing various PV-panel-recycling technologies. These methods lay the groundwork for environmentally responsible management and recovery of materials from end-of-life solar panels, advancing sustainable recycling practices. Full article

The European Union (EU) is witnessing an expansion in solar capacity, aligning with its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. However, deploying solar capacity introduces significant environmental complexities, such as managing photovoltaic waste when the modules reach their end of life. This study presents an assessment of PV waste mass generation, integrating the latest data from the revised targets of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of EU Member States presented in December 2023. Annual and cumulative PV waste mass is presented, analyzing the results in terms of the PV capacity deployment in each country and their recycling needs to face the treatment of the generated PV waste. According to the reviewed targets, the analysis reveals significant variations in PV waste mass generation across EU countries. The revisions show a substantial increase in the amount of waste generated in Europe. Lithuania and Ireland are anticipated to face substantial challenges, particularly under the early-loss scenario, whereas Germany, Italy, France, and Spain continue to be the countries that will generate the most PV waste mass in Europe. These findings emphasize the necessity for formulating and implementing effective waste management strategies to address the increasing generation of PV waste and mitigate its environmental impact. Furthermore, the study underscores the need to reassess projections to accommodate evolving energy policies and targets, ensuring alignment with sustainability objectives in this dynamic field. Full article

The rapid proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells as a clean energy source has raised significant concerns regarding their end-of-life (EoL) management, particularly in terms of sustainability and waste reduction. This review comprehensively examines challenges, opportunities, and future directions in the recycling of PV solar cells, focusing on mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling techniques. It also evaluates the scalability and practicality of these methods to different PV technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film modules. It explores the economic and environmental impacts of these processes, highlighting the necessity of developing robust recycling infrastructure and innovative technologies to address the anticipated surge in PV waste. Additionally, this review discusses the critical role of government policies and industry collaboration in overcoming the barriers to effective recycling. Furthermore, the importance of integrating design-for-recyclability principles into PV module development is emphasized, as it can significantly enhance material recovery and process efficiency. By advancing these strategies, the solar industry can achieve greater sustainability, reduce resource depletion, and mitigate environmental risks, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of solar energy as a key component of global renewable energy initiatives. Full article

The adoption of photovoltaic solar technology for renewable energy generation has been growing rapidly worldwide. In decarbonization processes, the use of photovoltaic panels has been preferred due to their reliability, safety, and efficiency. Specifically, the use of photovoltaic panels has increased significantly in Chile, as the climatic conditions are ideal for photovoltaic solar technology. The expected lifespan of a photovoltaic panel is approximately 25 years, so the amount of photovoltaic waste is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Consequently, interest has emerged in establishing policies and processes for recycling and recovering value from photovoltaic waste. The objective of this study is to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the leaching process of photovoltaic modules using nitric acid as a leaching agent and to employ the results to analyze the projected scenario for the Antofagasta region in 2040. Through statistical analysis of currently approved photovoltaic installations, projections were made to estimate the amount of photovoltaic waste and the total value of recyclable material expected to be available in 2040, resulting in an approximate figure of 30,676,367 discarded modules. Simultaneously, a life cycle assessment of the leaching process for photovoltaic waste using nitric acid was conducted using the OpenLCA software. The analysis showed that the proposed process has a high impact on global warming potential (GWP), generating 7.07 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of photovoltaic cell waste. Finally, an environmental and economic comparative analysis was performed, comparing nitric acid with ionic liquids previously studied by the research group. Preliminary results concluded that nitric acid has a significantly lower environmental impact and production cost. Full article

Currently, silicon is the most often utilized material for photovoltaic cell manufacturing, as it has the potential to convert solar energy directly into electricity. The silicon used in photovoltaic solutions must be highly pure. Large amounts of power, raw materials, and fossil fuels are consumed in the production process. Post-consumer treatment of polymers, materials, and components also requires energy and matter. These processes have a significant influence on the environment. As a result, the primary purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of a photovoltaic power plant’s material and component life cycle on ecosystem quality. The research focuses on an actual photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 2 MW located in northern Poland. According to the findings, photovoltaic modules are the part that has the most negative environmental impact, since their manufacturing requires a substantial amount of materials and energy (primarily from conventional sources). Post-consumer management, in the form of recycling after use, would provide major environmental advantages and reduce detrimental environmental consequences throughout the course of the solar power plant’s full life cycle. Full article

The main goal of this review paper is to show the advantages and challenges of photovoltaic cells/modules/panels and scintillators towards carbon footprint reduction for ecological safety. Briefly, the various types of solar-driven CO₂ conversion processes are shown as a new concept of CO₂ reduction. The health toxicity and environmental effects of scintillators, along with risks associated with use and disposal, are presented, taking into consideration inorganic and organic materials. Factors affecting the durability and lifespan of scintillators and the carbon footprint of solar cell production are analysed, considering CO₂ emission. Moreover, the technology of recycling photovoltaic modules and scintillators, along with a SWOT analysis of scintillation material toxicity, is presented to find the best solutions for clean technology and ecological safety. Finally, we offer recommendations for the areas where the most significant reductions in CO₂ emissions are expected to be implemented in the future of green energy in industry, including ESG strategies. Full article

This research article investigates the recycling of end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by analyzing various mechanical methods, including Crushing, High Voltage Pulse Crushing, Electrostatic Separation, Hot Knife Cutting, Water Jet Cutting, and Magnetic Separation. Each method’s effectiveness in extracting materials such as glass, silicon, metals (copper, aluminum, silver, tin, lead), and EVA was evaluated. The analysis reveals that no single method is entirely sufficient for comprehensive material recovery. Based on the data analysis, a new hypothetical hybrid method, Laser and High Voltage Pulse (L&HVP), is proposed, which integrates the precision of laser irradiation with the robustness of high voltage pulse crushing. The laser irradiation step would theoretically facilitate the removal of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, preparing the materials for subsequent separation. The high high-voltage pulse crushing would then selectively fragment and separate the remaining components, potentially enhancing material recovery efficiency while minimizing contamination. The proposed approach is grounded in the observed limitations of existing techniques. This method aims to offer a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for solar PV module recycling. Further research and experimentation are necessary to validate the effectiveness of the L&HVP method and its potential impact on the field of solar PV recycling. Full article

The interest in alternative energy sources, including the use of solar radiation energy, is growing year by year. Currently, the most frequently installed photovoltaic modules are made of single-crystalline silicon solar cells (sc-Si). However, one of the latest solutions are perovskite solar cells (PSC), which are considered the future of photovoltaics. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to assess the environmental impact of the construction materials of monocrystalline and perovskite photovoltaic power plants toward their sustainable development. The research object was the construction materials and components of two 1 MW photovoltaic power plants: one based on monocrystalline modules and the other on perovskite modules. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used for the analyses. The IMPACT World+, IPCC and CED models were used in it. The analyses were performed separately for five sets of elements: support structures, photovoltaic panels, inverter stations, electrical installations and transformers. Two post-consumer management scenarios were adopted: storage and recycling. The life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant based on photovoltaic modules made of perovskite cells is characterized by a smaller negative impact on the environment compared to traditional power plants with monocrystalline silicon modules. Perovskites, as a construction material of photovoltaic modules, fit better into the main assumptions of sustainable development compared to cells made of monocrystalline silicon. However, it is necessary to conduct further work which aims at reducing energy and material consumption in the life cycles of photovoltaic power plants. Full article

With the increase of photovoltaic (PV) penetration in the power grid, the reliability and longevity of PV modules are important for improving their payback period and reducing recycling needs. Although the performance of PV systems has been optimized to achieve a multi-fold increase in their electricity generation compared to ten years ago, improvements in lifespan have received less attention. Appropriate operation and maintenance measures are required to mitigate their aging. PV cells and modules are subject to various degradation mechanisms, which impact their long-term performance and reliability. Understanding these degradation processes is crucial for improving the lifetime and sustainability of solar energy systems. In this context, this review summarizes the current knowledge on key degradation mechanisms (intrinsic, extrinsic, and specific) affecting PV modules, as well as on-site and remote sensing methods for detecting PV module defects and the mitigation strategies employed for enhancing their operational lifetime under different climatic conditions in the global environment. Full article

This paper presents a sustainable recycling process for the separation and recovery of tempered glass from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules. As glass accounts for 75% of the weight of a panel, its recovery is an important step in the recycling process. Current methods, such as mechanical, chemical and thermal processes, often lead to contamination of the glass and pose significant environmental risks. In response to these challenges, a thermal–mechanical delamination approach is proposed in this study. The method utilizes controlled heat application (hot air gun) to weaken the adhesive bond between the glass and encapsulant, allowing for separation with a thin stainless steel wire. Various analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective. In less than a minute, the glass layer was separated and recovered with a success rate of over 99%, with no degradation of the material or release of gasses. The significance of this process lies in its ability to recover high-purity glass while minimizing the impact on the environment. This opens up the possibility of reusing the recovered tempered glass in new PV panels or other applications, reducing the need for virgin materials and lowering the overall environmental footprint of the solar energy industry. Full article

Solar PV is gaining increasing importance in the worldwide energy industry. Consequently, the global expansion of crystalline photovoltaic power plants has resulted in a rise in PV waste generation. However, disposing of PV waste is challenging and can pose harmful chemical effects on the environment. Therefore, developing technologies for recycling crystalline silicon solar modules is imperative to improve process efficiency, economics, recovery, and recycling rates. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of PV waste management, specifically focusing on crystalline solar cell recycling. The classification of PV recycling companies based on various components, including solar panels, PV glass, aluminum frames, silicon solar cells, junction boxes, plastic, back sheets, and cables, is explored. Additionally, the survey includes an in-depth literature review concentrating on chemical treatment for crystalline solar cell recycling. Furthermore, this study provides constructive suggestions for PV power plants on how to promote solar cell recycling at the end of their life cycles, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the techno-economic and environmental dimensions of solar cell recycling techniques are investigated in detail. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with crystalline solar cell recycling, emphasizing the importance of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable PV waste management solutions in the constantly evolving solar energy market. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are highly efficient power generators associated with solar energy. The rapid growth of the PV industry will lead to a sharp increase in the waste generated from PV panels. However, electro-waste can be successfully used as a source of secondary materials. In this study, a unique procedure for recycling PV modules was developed. In the first stage, the aluminum frame and junction box, 18wt%. and 1wt%. of the module, respectively, were removed. The following stage was crucial, involving a mechanical–thermal method to remove the glass, which accounts for 70wt%. As a result, only 11wt%. of the initial mass of the PV was subjected to the next stage of chemical delamination, which reduced the amount of solvent used. Toluene was used to swell the ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA, and allow for the separation of the PV module. The effects of temperature and ultrasound on separation time were investigated. After the separation of silicon cells, metal ribbons, EVA, and the backsheet were obtained. The purity of the polymers was determined by FTIR and elemental analysis. Thermal properties were measured using DSC calorimetry to determine the basic parameters of the material. Full article

This review addresses the growing need for the efficient recycling of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules (PVMs), in the context of global solar energy adoption and the impending surge in end-of-life (EoL) panel waste. It examines current recycling methodologies and associated challenges, given PVMs’ finite lifespan and the anticipated rise in solar panel waste. The study explores various recycling methods—mechanical, thermal, and chemical—each with unique advantages and limitations. Mechanical recycling, while efficient, faces economic and environmental constraints. Thermal methods, particularly pyrolysis, effectively break down organic materials but are energy-intensive. Chemical processes are adept at recovering high-purity materials but struggle with ecological and cost considerations. The review also highlights multifaceted challenges in recycling, including hazardous by-product generation, environmental impact, and the economic feasibility of recycling infrastructures. The conclusion emphasizes the need for innovative, sustainable, and economically viable recycling technologies. Such advancements, alongside global standards and policy development, are crucial for the long-term sustainability of solar energy and effective management of PVM waste. Full article

The use of solar energy is now a common and modern alternative that many countries throughout the world have adopted. Different studies on PV systems have been documented in the literature; however, several reviews focus excessively on particular facets of solar modules. In this paper, the literature on PV systems published between 2000 and 2023 was reviewed thoroughly. This review is structured in three main parts. Primarily, the main factors impacting dust deposition on solar modules are discussed. These include temperature, wind speed, inclination angle, location, climatic conditions, photovoltaic module surface characteristics, and dust characteristics. Many methods for mitigating and reducing dust as well as approaches to cleaning PV modules are also reviewed in this study. The many types of solar modules, together with their most important characteristics and operational effectiveness, are presented. As more solar photovoltaic panels expand their end of life (EOL), solutions are required to recycle and dispose of solar photovoltaic panels at the lowest economic cost and with the least environmental damage through reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Subsequently, this paper further reviews solar PV energy for a green environment and PV waste recycling and its costs. Moreover, integrating solar energy with other clean energy constituting an energy source for hard-to-reach areas and an alternative to fuel are discussed. Therefore, this comprehensive review of the use of photovoltaic systems for green energy production is helpful in an increased share of clean energy for various energy sectors in the future. Full article