Towards a Circular Photovoltaic Value Chain: An Integrated Review of Life Extension, End-of-Life Management and Resource Recovery Strategies

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) deployment is expected to generate increasing volumes of end-of-life (EoL) modules, creating environmental challenges and opportunities for secondary resource recovery. This review assesses circular PV value chains by integrating technological, environmental, economic, social, and regulatory perspectives. A bibliometric analysis of 191 publications was combined with a qualitative critical synthesis of PV EoL management pathways covering recycling, reuse, eco-design, environmental and economic assessment, and regulatory mechanisms. The analysis identified a shift from conventional waste management towards selective material recovery, lifetime extension, digital traceability, and integrated circular strategies. Mechanical, thermal, chemical/hydrometallurgical recycling, and lifetime-extension strategies represent the principal approaches supporting circular PV management, while efficient recovery of silicon, silver, and other valuable materials remains challenging. Life cycle assessment studies generally indicate environmental benefits of recycling compared with disposal, whereas economic feasibility depends on processing costs, collection systems, process scale, and secondary-material markets. Extended Producer Responsibility and Digital Product Passports can support collection, traceability, and circular resource management. Overall, effective PV circularity requires the integration of advanced recycling, repair and reuse strategies, eco-design, standardized second-life assessment, digital traceability, and supportive regulatory and stakeholder mechanisms to retain product and material value throughout PV life cycles.