Engineering Strategies for Sustainable Waste Management in Photovoltaic Assembly Plants: A Case Study From Mexico

ABSTRACT Waste management in the photovoltaic (PV) industry varies according to the regulations of each country. Automated plants in industrialized countries tend to produce less waste, with a more effective management due to stricter regulations and adequate infrastructure. In contrast, in developing countries, management can be less efficient, with waste being incorrectly classified or mixed. PV solar energy is on the rise, generating growing concern about waste management. This study addresses an element of the PV industry that has not been previously reported: assembly. The objective of this work was to develop strategies to minimize and manage waste from small‐scale solar panel assembly plants. To fulfill this objective, an assembly company installed in Mexico was analyzed in terms of the ongoing process and waste generated, together with the current waste classification according to Mexican regulations. Based on the results obtained, strategies to reintegrate waste into the assembly process were presented, and treatment alternatives were discussed, putting economic and environmental efficiency first, as well as employee safety, generating benefits for both the company and the environment. Waste potentially dangerous and not properly classified (Tedlar polyethylene terephthalate [TPT] and delamination waste) was also identified, and recommendations were issued for its classification.