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N. Jariwala and J. Soni
9.1 Introduction
“Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is among the most promising technologies for
renewable energy” [1]. “Photovoltaic (PV) modules are highly efficient solar power
generators which are non-polluting. This has been attracting unceasing attention
recently thanks to its potential application in alternative energy generation. Since
they only use solar energy, they do not produce noise, emit no harmful gases or use
material resources” [2]. Aside from positive environmental effects, the strategy of
implementing renewable energy sources would lead to a rise in the waste stream from,
among others, solar power plants. This could cause severe environmental problems
[3].
“Five countries (China, Japan, Germany, the United States, and Italy) shared
roughly 70% of world’s solar energy. End-of-life (EoL) management of photovoltaic
waste modules requires alternatives to landfill and is a viable option for recycling.
Technological approaches are already on the market, and literature emphasizes environmental benefits, while economic benefits are not well known” [4]. Many new
photovoltaic technologies were placed on the market, and there has been further
advancement of existing technologies. It is unclear whether all these advances will
impact the fate of photovoltaic Eol modules. “Nonetheless, it is clear that the quantity of PV waste generated together with the substantial quantity of retirement PV
modules installed over the course of several decades would need to be safely recycled”
[5].
PV recycling can contribute to resource conservation by saving useful raw materials (glass, copper, aluminium, semiconductor materials, etc.) for potential use in PV
modules or other new items, in addition to helping to handle significant future quantities of wastes. Upon transport to the nearest recycling plant, PV modules are recycled
through a series of steps involving size reduction (shredding and milling), removal
of semiconductor film, solid-liquid separation, separation and rinsing of laminate
foil/glass and precipitation of semiconductors [6]. It is important to examine the role
that materials play over the lifespan of the product in order to take further steps toward
a sustainable closed-loop product trajectory. There are multiple kinds of solar panels
but they include mainly aluminium, glass, silver and an elastic substance called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). A typical crystalline silicon solar panel consists of 65–75%
glass, 10–15% frame aluminium, 10% plastic and just 3–5% silicon. In fact, they can
contain a lot of harmful and even cancer-causing materials (carcinogenic), such as
arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. The working panels are sealed off with glass and
are very safe; but, if the glass is broken or the panels are damaged, there could be
leakage possibilities for certain substances. This work provides a wide comprehensive view of the recycling possibilities and the fate of the photovoltaic materials [7].
“The ultimate aim is to build a structured PV recycling model that promotes different
recycling technologies for different modules and controls for future planning of PV
recycling infrastructures” [8].
N. Jariwala and J. Soni
9.1 Introduction
“Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is among the most promising technologies for
renewable energy” [1]. “Photovoltaic (PV) modules are highly efficient solar power
generators which are non-polluting. This has been attracting unceasing attention
recently thanks to its potential application in alternative energy generation. Since
they only use solar energy, they do not produce noise, emit no harmful gases or use
material resources” [2]. Aside from positive environmental effects, the strategy of
implementing renewable energy sources would lead to a rise in the waste stream from,
among others, solar power plants. This could cause severe environmental problems
[3].
“Five countries (China, Japan, Germany, the United States, and Italy) shared
roughly 70% of world’s solar energy. End-of-life (EoL) management of photovoltaic
waste modules requires alternatives to landfill and is a viable option for recycling.
Technological approaches are already on the market, and literature emphasizes environmental benefits, while economic benefits are not well known” [4]. Many new
photovoltaic technologies were placed on the market, and there has been further
advancement of existing technologies. It is unclear whether all these advances will
impact the fate of photovoltaic Eol modules. “Nonetheless, it is clear that the quantity of PV waste generated together with the substantial quantity of retirement PV
modules installed over the course of several decades would need to be safely recycled”
[5].
PV recycling can contribute to resource conservation by saving useful raw materials (glass, copper, aluminium, semiconductor materials, etc.) for potential use in PV
modules or other new items, in addition to helping to handle significant future quantities of wastes. Upon transport to the nearest recycling plant, PV modules are recycled
through a series of steps involving size reduction (shredding and milling), removal
of semiconductor film, solid-liquid separation, separation and rinsing of laminate
foil/glass and precipitation of semiconductors [6]. It is important to examine the role
that materials play over the lifespan of the product in order to take further steps toward
a sustainable closed-loop product trajectory. There are multiple kinds of solar panels
but they include mainly aluminium, glass, silver and an elastic substance called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). A typical crystalline silicon solar panel consists of 65–75%
glass, 10–15% frame aluminium, 10% plastic and just 3–5% silicon. In fact, they can
contain a lot of harmful and even cancer-causing materials (carcinogenic), such as
arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. The working panels are sealed off with glass and
are very safe; but, if the glass is broken or the panels are damaged, there could be
leakage possibilities for certain substances. This work provides a wide comprehensive view of the recycling possibilities and the fate of the photovoltaic materials [7].
“The ultimate aim is to build a structured PV recycling model that promotes different
recycling technologies for different modules and controls for future planning of PV
recycling infrastructures” [8].