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A novel approach for the recycling of thin film photovoltaic modules

Author

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  • Berger, Wolfgang
  • Simon, Franz-Georg
  • Weimann, Karin
  • Alsema, Erik A.

Abstract

A sustainable recycling of photovoltaic (PV) thin film modules gains in importance due to the considerable growing of the PV market and the increasing scarcity of the resources for semiconductor materials. The paper presents the development of two strategies for thin film PV recycling based on (wet) mechanical processing for broken modules, and combined thermal and mechanical methods for end-of-life modules. The feasibility of the processing steps was demonstrated in laboratory scale as well as in semi-technical scale using the example of CdTe and CIS modules. Pre-concentrated valuables In and Te from wet mechanical processing can be purified to the appropriate grade for the production of new modules.

Suggested Citation

  • Berger, Wolfgang & Simon, Franz-Georg & Weimann, Karin & Alsema, Erik A., 2010. "A novel approach for the recycling of thin film photovoltaic modules," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(10), pages 711-718.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:54:y:2010:i:10:p:711-718
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2009.12.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fthenakis, Vasilis M., 2004. "Life cycle impact analysis of cadmium in CdTe PV production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 8(4), pages 303-334, August.
    2. Raugei, Marco & Bargigli, Silvia & Ulgiati, Sergio, 2007. "Life cycle assessment and energy pay-back time of advanced photovoltaic modules: CdTe and CIS compared to poly-Si," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(8), pages 1310-1318.
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    2. Jain, Suresh & Sharma, Tanya & Gupta, Anil Kumar, 2022. "End-of-life management of solar PV waste in India: Situation analysis and proposed policy framework," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Kavlak, Goksin & Graedel, T.E., 2013. "Global anthropogenic tellurium cycles for 1940–2010," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 21-26.
    4. Kavlak, Goksin & Graedel, T.E., 2013. "Global anthropogenic selenium cycles for 1940–2010," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 17-22.
    5. Wang, Xintong & Xue, Jingguo & Hou, Xueliang, 2023. "Barriers analysis to Chinese waste photovoltaic module recycling under the background of "double carbon"," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 39-54.
    6. Domínguez, Adriana & Geyer, Roland, 2017. "Photovoltaic waste assessment in Mexico," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 29-41.
    7. Yan Li & Ge Wang & Bo Shen & Qi Zhang & Boyu Liu & Ruoxi Xu, 2021. "Conception and policy implications of photovoltaic modules end‐of‐life management in China," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 10(1), January.

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