Recycling and Material Extraction from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Modules Waste: Exploring Physical Recovery Techniques

As the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) technology grows, the need for sustainable waste management becomes imperative. In this study we investigated different physical route recovery methods such as crushing recycling, high voltage pulse, laser irradiance, and hot knife processes, targeting the retrieval of valuable materials like silicon, metals, glass, and encapsulants. By reviewing existing literature, we assess the technical viability of these techniques and highlight their limitations. The crushing technique demonstrates effectiveness in glass recycling but falls short in recovering other valuable components, highlighting its limitations as a standalone solution. High Voltage Pulse crushing exhibits promise with an impressive 85% recycling rate, emphasizing increased material purity. Laser irradiation, specialized for EVA recycling, is noted for its user-friendly nature, making it an attractive candidate for hybrid approaches. The simplicity of the hot knife technique is evident in its effectiveness for glass and EVA recycling, though expert handling requirements and potential damage pose limitations. Integration of these techniques, considering their strengths and weaknesses, provides a roadmap for developing a holistic and efficient end-of-life recycling strategy for solar PV panels. Our findings underline the evolving landscape of PV waste management, and emphasize proposing an integrated solution to address the growing challenges in a sustainable and efficient manner, and provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking environmentally conscious solutions.