Assessing the Feasibility of Integrating a Thermal Separational Method with PV Recycling Technologies

The growing volume of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) panels, projected to reach 60–78 million tons by 2050, poses significant environmental challenges. With landfilling being the most cost-effective but unsustainable disposal method, developing eco-friendly processes to recover valuable materials is essential. One potential solution for recovering raw materials from PV panels is thermal treatment. Therefore, in this study, PV modules were heat-treated at a low heating rate, and their components were manually separated with an average efficiency of 90%. The recovered silicon wafers and tempered glass sheets were utilized to fabricate new PV panels using lamination technology. The applied heating parameters enabled the cells to be removed from the PV panels without structural damage. However, the results of electroluminescence tests showed that thermal treatment significantly damages the p-n junctions, rendering direct reuse in new panels unfeasible. The thermal separation methods outlined in this study offer valuable opportunities for industries employing various PV-panel-recycling technologies. These methods lay the groundwork for environmentally responsible management and recovery of materials from end-of-life solar panels, advancing sustainable recycling practices.