An Innovative Approach for Delamination of Solar Panels Using a Heated Metal Wire

Over the last two decades, the use of photovoltaic panels for the production of electricity has increased significantly, which leads to the need to solve the problems concerning the decommissioning and disposal of the panels and the development of appropriate technologies for their recycling. One of the key steps in this process is the separation of the tempered glass layer. Various technologies and devices are known for separating the glass of the solar panel by cutting it with a knife, as well as other instruments, with the different methods being based on mechanical, chemical, and thermal processes and accordingly having their own advantages and disadvantages. This article proposes an innovative approach for the mechanical delamination of solar panels using a metal wire heated by Joule heating, with the potential to become an energy-efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly method. This publication presents results from experiments using this type of tool to separate the layers of solar panels. Photos from a thermal camera are presented, showing the heat distribution in the panel and the reached operating temperature of the heated metal wire, necessary to soften the EVA bonding layer.