PV modules should be treated as electronic waste and should not be discarded with normal trash. The process for recycling a PV module consists of breaking it down into its main components and then sending them through the appropriate recycling streams. The majority of a crystalline silicon module can be recycled - an estimated 85%.<ref name="irena" /> In many areas where PV is being used to facilitate energy access, there are insufficient regulations and therefore a complete lack of a market and infrastructure to handle PV module waste.
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The waste classifications of PV modules varies by location significantly, but regardless of location they should be treated as specialized waste and should not be discarded with normal trash. The process for recycling a PV module consists of breaking it down into its main components and then sending them through the appropriate recycling streams. Unfortunately, in many areas where PV is being used to facilitate energy access, there are insufficient regulations and therefore a complete lack of a market and infrastructure to handle PV module waste.
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*The majority of PV modules installed globally are crystalline silicon (c-Si modules) which are on average comprised of roughly 90% non-hazardous materials by mass<ref name="irena" /> - glass, aluminium, and polymer - that are recycle or disposed of relatively easy. Roughly 85% of a module can be recycled<ref name="irena" />. The issue is the other 10% of a PV module that includes the PV cells which may contain silver, tin, lead and other elements<ref name="irena" />. Properly recycling these parts of the module require specialized handling and processes.
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*Thin-film modules represent a smaller portion of the PV modules used in installations globally and consist of roughly 98% non-hazardous materials like glass, polymer, aluminium, and copper. Unfortunately, the other 2% of thin-film modules contain various hazardous materials such as indium, gallium, selenium, cadmium tellurium and lead<ref name="irena" />. Properly recycling these parts of the module require specialized handling and processes.
Latest revision as of 10:44, 10 February 2021
The waste classifications of PV modules varies by location significantly, but regardless of location they should be treated as specialized waste and should not be discarded with normal trash. The process for recycling a PV module consists of breaking it down into its main components and then sending them through the appropriate recycling streams. Unfortunately, in many areas where PV is being used to facilitate energy access, there are insufficient regulations and therefore a complete lack of a market and infrastructure to handle PV module waste.
The majority of PV modules installed globally are crystalline silicon (c-Si modules) which are on average comprised of roughly 90% non-hazardous materials by mass[1] - glass, aluminium, and polymer - that are recycle or disposed of relatively easy. Roughly 85% of a module can be recycled[1]. The issue is the other 10% of a PV module that includes the PV cells which may contain silver, tin, lead and other elements[1]. Properly recycling these parts of the module require specialized handling and processes.
Thin-film modules represent a smaller portion of the PV modules used in installations globally and consist of roughly 98% non-hazardous materials like glass, polymer, aluminium, and copper. Unfortunately, the other 2% of thin-film modules contain various hazardous materials such as indium, gallium, selenium, cadmium tellurium and lead[1]. Properly recycling these parts of the module require specialized handling and processes.
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