Recycling of c-Si PV Modules: an Energy Analysisand Further Improvements

Photovoltaic (PV) Modules, PV system reliability, Electroluminescence (EL), CIGS PV Module Oxidation

Nowadays, the management of our planet’s resources is becoming of primary importance due to their increasing exploitation from human activities. The present study focuses, in particular, on the management of photovoltaic (PV) waste produced when they reach their end-of-life. PV modules contain precious and valuable materials, as well as toxic materials that may cause problems for human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. This study aims, at first, to review and analyze the current literature in order to deeply understand the topic of recycling PV modules, particularly crystalline Silicon ones, which represent the largest market share. A second part analyzes the energy consumption of these recycling processes considering first-generation c-Si PV modules. Finally, improvements are suggested also considering the design of PV modules (Ecodesign). The study estimates that the energy consumed to recycle c-Si PV modules could reach values as low as 130 ÷ 300 kWh/ton of PV waste treated.

This study may be used to better understand the issues related to PV waste management, and especially of recycling PV modules, from the technical processes to the regulation and economic aspects. In fact, many documents, and probably the most significant ones, have been reviewed, representing a reference of scientific knowledge of recycling c-Si PV modules. Moreover, the information on the energy consumption may be used as a reference point for future LCAs considering the EoL phase. Finally, ideas of how to improve the recycling of c-Si PV modules, and their EoL management more in general, may be deduced from this study.

This paper was published by researchers of the Politecnico di Milano.