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Global Challenges and Prospects of Photovoltaic Materials Disposal and Recycling: A Comprehensive Review

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  • Hui Fang Yu

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia
    Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Md. Hasanuzzaman

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • Nasrudin Abd Rahim

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • Norridah Amin

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • Noriah Nor Adzman

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

Abstract

The considerable amount of waste PV modules expected to emerge from recent widespread of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is a cause of concern, especially in sustainability terms. Currently, most end-of-life (EoL) PV modules are either disposed of in landfills or bulk recycled in existing recycling facilities. Although these approaches are easier in execution as less efforts are directed at sustainable management of these modules, they can potentially cause environmental issues including loss of valuable resources and leakage of toxic materials. Hence, high-value closed-loop recycling is much preferred for its environmental merits, although its implementation brings forward challenges that this paper attempts to shed light on. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the EoL management of PV modules, concentrating on the challenges faced in PV recycling. Additionally, PV waste-related regulatory frameworks implemented in different countries are discussed. Recommendations to improve the EoL management of PV modules and trade-offs arising from conflicting solutions are proposed. To establish a sustainable PV waste management framework, legislations promoting the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle, presence of suitable infrastructure, research and development (R&D) and cooperation of various governmental and private bodies are highly needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Hui Fang Yu & Md. Hasanuzzaman & Nasrudin Abd Rahim & Norridah Amin & Noriah Nor Adzman, 2022. "Global Challenges and Prospects of Photovoltaic Materials Disposal and Recycling: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-41, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8567-:d:861749
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Mariusz Niekurzak & Wojciech Lewicki & Hasan Huseyin Coban & Agnieszka Brelik, 2023. "Conceptual Design of a Semi-Automatic Process Line for Recycling Photovoltaic Panels as a Way to Ecological Sustainable Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska & Monika Pietrzak & Ireneusz Zbiciński, 2023. "Effect of Recycling on the Environmental Impact of a High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Module Combining Space-Grade Solar Cells and Optical Micro-Tracking," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-13, April.
    4. Pin-Han Chen & Wei-Sheng Chen & Cheng-Han Lee & Jun-Yi Wu, 2023. "Comprehensive Review of Crystalline Silicon Solar Panel Recycling: From Historical Context to Advanced Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    5. Jin-Li Hu & Min-Yueh Chuang, 2023. "The Importance of Energy Prosumers for Affordable and Clean Energy Development: A Review of the Literature from the Viewpoints of Management and Policy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Kristia Kristia & Mohammad Fazle Rabbi, 2023. "Exploring the Synergy of Renewable Energy in the Circular Economy Framework: A Bibliometric Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-27, September.
    7. D'Adamo, Idiano & Gastaldi, Massimo & Morone, Piergiuseppe & Ozturk, Ilhan, 2022. "Economics and policy implications of residential photovoltaic systems in Italy's developed market," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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