L R AS Published on Sunday 30 October 2022 - n° 422 - Categories:recycling

New cost-effective method for recycling solar panels

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is proposing a new cost-effective method of recycling silicon solar panels. Their process involves deframing the panels, shredding

of the laminates and a concentration of the materials using electrostatic separation, reducing their original weight by 2-3%. According to the authors, this would be a simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of recycling.

As the volume of decommissioning continues to increase, the proper disposal of PV panels has become an emerging environmental and social issue. But while recycling silicon PV panels is technically viable, it is often not economically feasible for reasons ranging from the high cost of processing to the low volumes of waste that do not justify the cost of the investment.

The proposed process produces two fractions: a valuable mixture of silver, copper, aluminium and silicon, and a mixture composed mainly of glass, silicon and polymers. The precious blend represents only 2-3% of the total panel, which can be sent to the downstream industry for further refining.

According to the researchers, the process can be cost-effective. It is advantageous when small volumes are involved, for example 1,000 tonnes of solar panels per year.

About 1.7 million tonnes of end-of-life PV panel waste is expected by 2030; 60 million tonnes by 2050. If the early loss scenario is realised, there could be 8 million tonnes of PV waste by 2030, and a total of 78 million tonnes by 2050.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/10/27/new-process-to-recycle-si-pv-modules/

PV Magazine of 27 October 2022

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