Revolutionizing Solar Panel Recycling with Advanced Technologies

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Electrochemical processes for efficient metal recovery
• Laser technology for precise separation of materials
• Qcells partnered with SolarCycle for solar panel recycling in February 2024
• Extracting valuable components from thin-film panels

The increase in applications of solar energy has made a significant impact on global carbon emission reduction. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years. Recycling these panels has emerged as an important solution to minimize footprints. The current innovations in solar panel recycling technologies have made the process more efficient and offered new opportunities to reclaim valuable materials.

Electrochemical processes for efficient metal recovery

Electrochemical processes have gained popularity as an efficient method for metal recovery in solar panel recycling. These processes use electricity for chemical reactions that selectively extract valuable metals such as silver, copper, and gold from solar panels. Electrochemical techniques effectively dissolve and separate metals by immersing the panel materials in a specially designed electrolyte solution. This does not cause damage to other components.

Moreover, a significant advantage of electrochemical methods is their ability to operate at lower temperatures, making them more energy-efficient than the usual high-heat methods. In addition, these processes achieve high purity in metal recovery, making the materials suitable for reuse in new solar panels or other electronic devices. Electrochemical methods are expected to become one of the main technologies in improving the sustainability and profitability of recycling and contributing to the expansion of the global solar panel recycling market.

In August 2024, University of Camerino collaborated with ORIM, an Italian company specializing in metal recovery from solid waste, to develop a novel method for recovering silver from end-of-life solar cells. The study combined hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes, achieving a silver recovery efficiency of 98.7% through an electrodeposition-redox replacement technique. The collaboration emphasized the potential of electrochemical methods to enhance sustainability in solar panel recycling.

Laser technology for precise separation of materials

The regular recycling methods, such as mechanical shredding, often result in a loss of valuable materials or damage to components. In contrast, laser ablation removes highly controlled material by directing focused laser beams onto solar panel layers. This method efficiently separates the photovoltaic cells, metals, and glass with minimal waste and without using harsh chemicals. For example, silver can be extracted more effectively through laser-based processes. Furthermore, lasers are more energy-efficient than traditional methods, reducing the environmental impact of recycling.

Qcells and SolarCycle’spartnership for solar panel recycling

Qcells partnered with SOLARCYCLE to recycle decommissioned solar panels in the U.S. This collaboration, announced on February 12, 2024, marked a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind between a major solar manufacturer and an advanced solar recycler. Utilizing SOLARCYCLE's patented technology, it aimed to extract over 95% of the value from solar panel modules, significantly higher than the industry standard. Moreover, Qcells announced to invest over $2.5 billion to build a sustainable solar supply chain in the U.S., with a target production capacity of 8.4 gigawatts by 2024 and the creation of approximately 4,000 new clean energy jobs.

Extracting valuable components from thin-film panels

Recycling thin-film solar panels creates restraints due to the distinct materials they use, such as cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide. These materials are more difficult to separate and recover. However, progressions in recycling techniques have made it possible to extract valuable components from thin-film panels efficiently. Researchers have developed methods to selectively dissolve cadmium and recover it without environmental contamination. In addition, newer mechanical and chemical processes are being optimized to separate and recycle materials like copper, indium, and selenium.

In September 2023, RMIT University and the University of Melbourne partnered with OJAS, a Melbourne-based firm, to establish an upcycling facility aimed at recycling silicon cells and polymers from photovoltaic modules. This collaboration focused on developing efficient methods to recover valuable materials from thin-film solar panels, enhancing sustainability in solar panel recycling.

The essence

Recycling innovations are the main aspects of the solar industry's future due to the increase in decommissioned panels. Moreover, the integration of AI and robotics has made the entire recycling process more cost-effective and less labor-intensive. Public-private partnerships have also helped to establish recycling infrastructure in regions that experience rapid solar energy adoption, making it easier to collect and process used panels in the upcoming years.

For deeper insights into investment opportunities and the latest trends in the solar panel recycling industry, contact our analysts today!  

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