How to recycle photovoltaic panels?

The use of renewable energy sources (RES) is becoming more and more popular in Poland. Photovoltaic panels generate energy from solar radiation and contribute to reducing the emission of harmful pollutants. A backyard RES installation allows to become independent from dynamically changing energy prices. However, panels have a particular lifespan and should be disposed of or recycled at the end of their working time. It is very important to fix properly the photovoltaic panels, as well as the method of their disassembly. How recycling and disposal of photovoltaic panels looks like in practice?

Lifetime of photovoltaic panels

Handling of photovoltaic panels depends on their lifespan. According to research, most of them are able to function properly for 25 to 30 years, and only then there is a need to decommission. The efficiency of operation is influenced by the parameters of the panels, as well as other factors, including the way of mounting of photovoltaic panels. However, it should be remembered that over the entire period of operation of the panels, there may be a gradual decrease in their power. Manufacturers admit that photovoltaic panels reduce power in the first year of use by about 3-5%, while in subsequent years there is a decrease of 1% of efficiency per year. These are theoretical values that do not have to work in practice. The reality shows that in many cases over a period of 20 years, the efficiency of the panels decreases by no more than 8-10%, thanks to which the installation can operate without failure for a longer time.

Electric waste collection points

In Poland, waste from photovoltaic panels is treated similarly to electronic waste. The European Union directives on the collection, transport and recycling of used panels have been in force in every member state since 2014. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the natural environment, human health and support the rational use of resources. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, devices used to generate or transmit electricity at the end of their service life cannot be thrown into the trash. They should be delivered to a special collection point for electric waste, where they can be treated or disposed of. In this way, it becomes possible to recover the largest number of elements and reuse them or destroy harmful materials in a completely safe way.

Disposal costs and further processing of photovoltaic panels

Disposal of photovoltaic panels is a real cost for the current user. The exact costs depend on the weight and the fact whether the panels will be delivered to the collection point by the owner or external transport will be added. In the first case, the average price is about PLN 1.50 per kilogram, in the second – about PLN 2.50 per kilogram. These are not high costs, especially if we take into account that the panels are largely recyclable. Materials such as aluminium or glass can be successfully recovered and reused. Recycling of panels consists in disassembling the frame and separating elements made of different materials. Additional parts such as wires or junction boxes are then removed and materials are cut and crushed. These are basic activities, but the recycling of panels does not end there.

Processes used during recycling

The vast majority of glass can be recovered for reuse in the manner described above. The situation is similar in the case of metal components and photovoltaic cells. In total, on average, about 80-90% of the materials obtained in this way can be reused. It is worth noting that some elements obtained from photovoltaic panels must be treated at very high temperatures, even 500 degrees Celsius. Under such conditions, the plastic separating the individual elements evaporates, and the silicon cells can be prepared for further processing. This applies to about 80% of the material, which is recycled by etching with acids and enriching the structure in such a way that the original quality is restored. The remaining elements of silicon cells can be melted and formed into so-called wafers, which will be used to produce new photovoltaic panels.

Treatment of used panels – reduction of costs and risks

Thanks to the use of chemical, thermal and mechanical processes, the utilization of photovoltaic panels and their recycling allows you to recover the material without excessive losses and the risk of endangering the natural environment. Therefore, recycling of used photovoltaic panels can be very profitable. The recovery of raw materials from the panels allows them to be used not only in new photovoltaic installations, but also in other industries and applications. According to various estimates, by 2030 the value of materials recovered through recycling may reach almost USD 500 million. This is the amount that allows for the production of new photovoltaic panels in the number constituting over 30% of the total production in 2015. This translates into the possibility of re-producing up to 60 million new photovoltaic panels.

Cooperation of many entities on the market

Disposal of photovoltaic panels and their recycling is important from the point of view of reducing the production costs of new modules and limiting the negative impact of waste on the environment. These processes require further research and improvement of methods for recovering raw materials from all components of photovoltaic panels. It is also important that various entities dealing with production, design and recycling work together so that it becomes possible to increase the efficiency of the recovery of raw materials. Much of the waste that ends up in landfills can be reused without polluting the environment. It is also an opportunity to improve the profitability of processes related to the recovery of raw materials and the construction of new installations. Therefore, it is important to share responsibility for the recycling of both producers and users of solar cells throughout their lifetime.

Innovative recycling methods

Within the European Union, there are clear rules to support the recycling of solar panels. In this field, we observe continuous progress that allows us to increase the efficiency and economic viability of activities related to the recovery of raw materials. In Poland, used photovoltaic panels have become the subject of many studies, including universities such as the AGH University of Krakow. The goal is to conduct research and implementation activities regarding the disposal of used photovoltaic panels. Innovative recycling methods are to allow the recovery of almost 100% of raw materials together with precious metals in such a form that it is possible to reuse them. In this way, the costs of the disposal process will once again be limited and will not have to be charged to individual users. Therefore, it is the contribution of specialists that allows to increase the profitability of the installation of photovoltaic panels and the responsible management of raw materials by producers.