Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of PV Recycling Technologies: Mechanical and Thermal-Chemical Processes

Recycling end-of-life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules is crucial for addressing sustainability challenges in the solar industry. This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of two PV recycling methods: (1) mechanical treatment, which separates and recovers bulk components, and (2) advanced thermal-chemical processes, which recover high-purity materials like silicon and silver. Mechanical recycling, involving shredding and sorting, achieves high recovery rates for materials such as glass and aluminum with low energy use. However, material purity is often compromised due to cross-contamination. In contrast, thermal-chemical processes, utilizing pyrolysis and chemical leaching, recover critical materials with higher purity but require significantly more energy. These trade-offs emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate process based on environmental and economic objectives. By reducing raw material demand and greenhouse gas emissions, these strategies align with circular economy principles. This study provides a systems-level perspective on recycling technologies, supporting stakeholders in optimizing strategies to meet sustainability goals in the renewable energy sector.