Title : Sustainable solutions for end-of-life bifacial photovoltaic panels: Paving the way for circular economy
Abstract:
The disposal of end-of-life (EOL) photovoltaic (PV) solar panels presents environmental challenges due to hazardous materials and structural complexity. This study introduces an advanced recycling method specifically designed for bifacial solar panels, which lack back sheet polymers like PVF, PET, or PVDF, and instead use ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) as the sole encapsulant. The process begins with mechanical removal of the junction box, followed by shredding the panels into fragments. These are processed through an eddy current separator to extract the aluminum frame. The residual material undergoes vortex processing, converting the glass into a valuable product called SolarCrete for construction applications. Silicon wafers, encapsulated with EVA, are then subjected to a low-temperature thermal process to recover solar cells and copper tape. This method recovers solar cells, copper tape, and polymerized oil. The absence of fluorinated compounds in EVA, composed of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, enhances environmental safety and simplifies recycling. Using a modified pyrolysis reactor, the EVA layer degrades under inert conditions, minimizing emissions and producing polymerized oil. Characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the oil meets ASTM and Australian diesel standards and can be repurposed as a lubricant.Oil yield optimization was achieved using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Optimal parameters—a heating rate of 8.92°C/min, a hold time of 31.82 minutes, and a maximum temperature of 528.22°C—resulted in a yield of 57.53%.This recycling approach aligns with circular economy principles, enabling the reuse of recovered materials in manufacturing new solar panels and maximizing resource efficiency. By addressing critical waste management challenges, this study advances the sustainability of solar energy systems globally.
