Technological routes for end-of-life photovoltaic panels: a systematic review from a circular economy and energy systems perspective

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy has made end-of-life (EoL) management of PV panels a critical challenge for sustainable energy systems. Despite recycling initiatives for these panels, landfill disposal remains prevalent, posing a critical risk due to soil contamination from toxic components. A promising recycling process should adopt the principles of the Circular Economy (CE), promoting a regenerative and restorative system that replaces the current “extract, use, and dispose” linear model, aiming for positive economic outcomes, social well-being, and reduced environmental impact. Therefore, this study aimed to review alternatives for PV panel EoL treatment from a CE perspective, considering economic, environmental, social, and technical aspects, systematizing technological routes for waste treatment, and structuring recommendations. To this end, through a systematic literature review, 104 articles were analyzed, and 143 evaluations of alternatives for the EoL disposal of solar panels were found. The results suggest a lack of holistic analysis of treatment alternatives, encompassing both positive technical and environmental aspects, as well as economic controversies and social implications. Although the menu with diverse options maximizes component recovery, the recommendations suggest that applying CE strategies in the PV market still requires greater maturity, as some residues remain incompletely treated, compromising circularity and the long-term sustainability of PV-based energy systems.