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.
South Korea moves forward with long-expected solar panel recycling scheme
South Korea’s new provisions establish a standardized collection system for each of the country’s major regions, in order to ensure a waste panel recycling/reuse rate of more than 80%.
Itochu to start recycling solar modules
Japan’s Itochu has announced a new tie-up with France’s Rosi Solar, which develops tech to recover and recycle high-purity silver, copper and silicon from solar modules.
Microwave heating for glass separation in end-of-life solar modules
Scientists in Thailand have used microwaves to separate broken glass from PV panels. The process can be performed at temperatures ranging from 45 C to 55 C.
New industrial plant concept for end-of-life PV panel recycling
Italian startup Tialpi is developing a process to recycle end-of-life solar panels that promises to recover 100% of a PV module’s weight. The new plant design is currently being tested at the company’s facility in the Italian northern province of Biella.
French consortium commissions solar module recycling facility
Soren and Envie 2E Aquitaine have inaugurated a new solar module recycling facility in Saint-Loubès, France.
Solarwatt obtains ‘cradle-to-cradle’ certification for its glass-glass solar modules
The ‘cradle-to-cradle’ certification is considered a globally recognized holistic product quality standard. The assessment is made for five categories: material health, recyclability of materials, energy management and CO2 emissions, water management and social responsibility
