Progress in Recycling and Processing of End-of-Life Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

The global photovoltaic sector has rapidly developed and enhanced the application of solar energy to its fullest potential. The sector has matured from large scale industrial applications to residential self-generation and self-consumption. Photovoltaic modules are plagued by significant problems associated with their recycling and disposal when they reach the end of their useful lives. This paper identifies the major components of photovoltaic modules and explains the pros and cons of current recycling methods based on their recycling potential and technological challenges. This concern includes the conventional physical delamination, thermal and chemical delamination methods, and other recently proposed separation and recycling methods such as bioleaching, high- voltage pulse and supercritical carbon dioxide foaming methods. Ultimately, the recycling technologies of the future should enable the recovery of the maximum percentage of components and materials to decrease waste and pollution, and at the same time, minimize the energy consumption of the system. Delamination methods should also be environmentally sound, and this should all be systemically integrated to provide a standard for a low carbon for photovoltaic modules in support of the sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry as a whole.