05, November 2024
In the quest for a greener and more sustainable future, solar energy has emerged as a frontrunner among renewable energy sources. However, the widespread adoption of solar technology brings forth a critical question—what happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their lifecycle? Current industry estimates project that by 2050, 78 million metric tons of solar panels could become waste across the world. In fact, a solar panel typically requires just 1.5 to 2.5 years of operation to pay back the energy used in its manufacturing. This is where solar panel recycling becomes vital to expand the solar industry sustainably. Using recycled solar panels not only prevents hazardous waste accumulation but also enables the recovery of valuable materials like silicon, glass, aluminum, silver, and copper. By promoting a circular economy, the Global Solar Panel Recycling Market is set to garner revenue at a CAGR of 5.74% during the forecast period 2024-2032.
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Recycling solar panels involves several steps, each designed to maximize material recovery and minimize waste. Here’s a brief overview:
Collection and Dismantling: The process begins with collecting and transporting end-of-life solar panels to recycling facilities. Panels are dismantled to separate the aluminum frames, junction boxes, and cables.
Thermal or Mechanical Processing: The separated glass and silicon cells undergo mechanical or thermal processing to isolate and purify materials. Thermal processing often involves using high temperatures to remove the plastic layers binding the solar cells.
Material Recovery: Advanced recycling techniques are used to recover valuable materials such as silicon wafers, silver, and copper. Chemical etching may be employed to extract rare metals while grinding and sorting methods are used to separate glass and silicon.
Purification and Reuse: The recovered materials are purified and sent for reuse in manufacturing new solar panels or other industrial applications.
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Countries around the world are recognizing the importance of solar panel recycling and are implementing measures to build capacity in this domain. Here are a few recent initiatives:
Germany: The country’s implementation of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive mandates the collection and recycling of at least 85% of photovoltaic (PV) module waste. Efforts are ongoing to enhance recycling processes, with a focus on advancing methods to recover valuable materials such as silicon.
United States: Solar panels, made largely of glass and valuable metals like silver and copper, offer significant recycling potential. IRENA estimates the recoverable material value from decommissioned panels could reach $450 million by 2030. The EPA is considering categorizing solar panels as ‘universal waste’ to simplify recycling, while states like California have already enacted specific disposal and recycling regulations.
India: The country launched the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, mandating manufacturers to oversee the collection and recycling of their solar panels at the end of their lifecycle. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is also collaborating with private entities to set up recycling plants and streamline waste management systems for discarded solar panels.
When comparing the cost-effectiveness of new solar panels versus recycled ones, several factors are considered. Recycling solar panels reduces raw material costs significantly. For instance, recycling one ton of photovoltaic (PV) panels can save approximately 1,200 kg of glass, 300 kg of aluminum, and 25 kg of silicon. This cuts down on the manufacturing cost by lowering dependence on expensive virgin materials.
From an energy consumption perspective, recycled panels often require 30-50% less energy to produce compared to new ones. Similarly, using recycled panels mitigates the environmental impact of mining and processing raw materials.
The solar panel recycling market is set to play a crucial role in driving the renewable energy transition while fostering a circular economy. As the adoption of solar energy continues to grow, so too must our commitment to sustainable waste management practices. Governments and private players around the globe are already taking commendable steps to ensure the responsible disposal and recycling of solar panels, thereby reducing environmental waste and building a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
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Answer: Up to 94.7% of a solar panel’s materials can be recycled.
Q.2) What is the policy of solar panel recycling in India?Answer: According to the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), solar PV modules and cell producers are required to store waste generated from these products until 2034–2035. Additionally, they must submit annual returns on the e-waste management portal up to the same period.
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