How to build, finance product stewardship scheme for photovoltaic panels
Researchers in Australia have provided a series of recommendations to set up regulatory frameworks for PV module recycling and reuse. They said that, as a rule of thumb, landfill bans, tracking of the panels’ serial numbers, and a clear definition of ownership should always be included in the legislation for end-of-life solar products.
Advancing circular economy in photovoltaics: The Hot Knife PV module recycling method
Recycling is of significant importance in a circular economy, yet some challenges have to be faced when recycling PV modules. The novel Hot Knife method to separate the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module front glass from the backsheet contributes only a few permill to the life cycle related potential environmental impacts of PV electricity.
Marubeni, Hamada enter solar panel recycling business
Japan’s Marubeni and Hamada have launched Rexia Corporation to offer solar panel recycling and reuse services across the country, diverting material from landfill and giving a second life to older panels.
Australian team claims 99% recovery rate with solar recycling process
Engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have developed a new, more effective method to recycle end-of-life solar panels. The technique allows them to quickly and efficiently separate 99% of PV cell component materials.
France recycled 3,800 tons of solar modules in 2022
French eco-organization Soren, which collects and recycles end-of-life solar panels, has published its 2022 annual report. Last year, more than 10 million solar panels were put on the market in France, up 25% from 2021.
Solar passports to support PV waste management in India
A new study proposes blockchain-based solar passports to address the PV waste management challenge in India. It says such a framework would enable transparent tracking and verification of PV panels throughout their life cycle.
Japanese group using second-life solar panels at construction sites
Taisei Corp. has installed second-life solar panels at Fukoka Airport’s new office buildings in Japan to test their performance for temporary power production.
New technique to recover undamaged solar cells in end-of-life PV panels
Scientists in China developed a novel swelling process to detach glass and EVA backsheets from solar modules at the end of their lifecycle. The technique utilizes an ester of a dicarboxylic acid known as dibasic ester. It reportedly prevents excessive cracking of solar cells.
Netherlands raises fee for solar module recycling
Dutch importers that sell solar panels to clients in the Netherlands will have to pay a recycling charge of €40 ($42.50) per ton from July 1. They currently pay just €6.50 per ton.
Water jet tech to recover glass from end-of-life solar panels
Japan’s Shintora Kosan has developed a novel water jet technology to recover glass from end-of-life PV modules. It says it can pulverize the solar cells and the backsheets without damaging the glass.
