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RECYCLING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS: PROCESS DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER DURING THE LAST TEN YEARS

  • Francesca Pagnanelli - Department of Chemistry, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy - Eco Recycling srl, Italy
  • Pietro Altimari - Department of Chemistry, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
  • Pier Giorgio Schiavi - Sapienza University, Italy
  • Emanuela Moscardini - Eco Recycling srl, Italy
  • Luigi Toro - Eco Recycling srl, Italy

DOI 10.31025/2611-4135/2025.19472

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Copyright: © 2024 CISA Publisher

Abstract

Research and development in photovoltaic panel (PVP) recycling have evolved to maximize recovery, including less valuable but non-renewable materials. Early recycling relied on low-cost physical processes but failed to produce glass pure enough for the glass industry, except for construction. A process involving crushing, sieving, thermal treatment, fine fraction leaching, and wastewater treatment required 75,000 tons/year capacity to achieve a payback time under 6 years. High-value recovery requires advanced methods to separate glass from the encapsulant, ensuring reintegration into glass production. A solvent-based process, tested at the pilot scale, proved technically and economically feasible. Without metal recovery, it remains viable at 30,000 tons/year, producing high-purity glass. Further developments enabled 82% recycling rates, including polymeric and metallic recovery, potential thermal valorization of EVA, and backsheets recycling. Economic analyses highlight challenges in a complete refining process, particularly for Ag and Si recovery. The Ag content in PVP has declined from 0.2% to 0.02% w/w in two decades. At 0.05–0.2% Ag, a 5-year payback is possible for 43,000–18,000 tons/year. Lower Ag levels require higher recycling volumes or supportive measures (e.g., EoL fees) to remain profitable.

Keywords

Editorial History

  • Received: 16 Nov 2024
  • Revised: 23 Feb 2025
  • Accepted: 20 Mar 2025
  • Available online: 31 Mar 2025

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