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Solar PV End-of-Life Waste Recycling: An Assessment of Mechanical Recycling Methods and Proposed Hybrid Laser and High Voltage Pulse Crushing Method

Author

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  • Amjad Ali

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
    Electrical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Shahid

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sikandar Abdul Qadir

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Md Tasbirul Islam

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Waseem Khan

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shoaib Ahmed

    (Department of Engineering, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, PZ, Italy)

Abstract

This research article investigates the recycling of end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by analyzing various mechanical methods, including Crushing, High Voltage Pulse Crushing, Electrostatic Separation, Hot Knife Cutting, Water Jet Cutting, and Magnetic Separation. Each method’s effectiveness in extracting materials such as glass, silicon, metals (copper, aluminum, silver, tin, lead), and EVA was evaluated. The analysis reveals that no single method is entirely sufficient for comprehensive material recovery. Based on the data analysis, a new hypothetical hybrid method, Laser and High Voltage Pulse (L&HVP), is proposed, which integrates the precision of laser irradiation with the robustness of high voltage pulse crushing. The laser irradiation step would theoretically facilitate the removal of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, preparing the materials for subsequent separation. The high high-voltage pulse crushing would then selectively fragment and separate the remaining components, potentially enhancing material recovery efficiency while minimizing contamination. The proposed approach is grounded in the observed limitations of existing techniques. This method aims to offer a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for solar PV module recycling. Further research and experimentation are necessary to validate the effectiveness of the L&HVP method and its potential impact on the field of solar PV recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Amjad Ali & Muhammad Shahid & Sikandar Abdul Qadir & Md Tasbirul Islam & Muhammad Waseem Khan & Shoaib Ahmed, 2024. "Solar PV End-of-Life Waste Recycling: An Assessment of Mechanical Recycling Methods and Proposed Hybrid Laser and High Voltage Pulse Crushing Method," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-29, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2024:i:12:p:169-:d:1533333
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Souza, Vanessa & Rodrigues Figueiredo, Adriano Marcos & Santos Bortolocci Espejo, Márcia Maria dos, 2024. "Challenges and strategies for managing end-of-life photovoltaic equipment in Brazil: Learning from international experience," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    2. Aşkın, Asmin & Kılkış, Şiir & Akınoğlu, Bülent Gültekin, 2023. "Recycling photovoltaic modules within a circular economy approach and a snapshot for Türkiye," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 583-596.
    3. 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.
    4. Ali Ghahremani & Scott D. Adams & Michael Norton & Sui Yang Khoo & Abbas Z. Kouzani, 2024. "Delamination Techniques of Waste Solar Panels: A Review," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Ansanelli, G. & Fiorentino, G. & Tammaro, M. & Zucaro, A., 2021. "A Life Cycle Assessment of a recovery process from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    6. 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.
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    1. Annelys Machado Schetinger & André Frossard Pereira de Lucena, 2025. "Evaluating Policy Frameworks and Their Role in the Sustainable Growth of Distributed Photovoltaic Generation," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-32, February.

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