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Sustainable Strategies for Crystalline Solar Cell Recycling: A Review on Recycling Techniques, Companies, and Environmental Impact Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Mina Akhter

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh, Narayanganj 1461, Bangladesh)

  • Ahmed Al Mansur

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh, Narayanganj 1461, Bangladesh)

  • Md. Imamul Islam

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pekan 26600, Malaysia)

  • M. S. Hossain Lipu

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh, Narayanganj 1461, Bangladesh)

  • Tahia F. Karim

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh)

  • Maher G. M. Abdolrasol

    (Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia)

  • Thamer A. H. Alghamdi

    (Wolfson Centre for Magnetics, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
    Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65779, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Solar PV is gaining increasing importance in the worldwide energy industry. Consequently, the global expansion of crystalline photovoltaic power plants has resulted in a rise in PV waste generation. However, disposing of PV waste is challenging and can pose harmful chemical effects on the environment. Therefore, developing technologies for recycling crystalline silicon solar modules is imperative to improve process efficiency, economics, recovery, and recycling rates. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of PV waste management, specifically focusing on crystalline solar cell recycling. The classification of PV recycling companies based on various components, including solar panels, PV glass, aluminum frames, silicon solar cells, junction boxes, plastic, back sheets, and cables, is explored. Additionally, the survey includes an in-depth literature review concentrating on chemical treatment for crystalline solar cell recycling. Furthermore, this study provides constructive suggestions for PV power plants on how to promote solar cell recycling at the end of their life cycles, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the techno-economic and environmental dimensions of solar cell recycling techniques are investigated in detail. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with crystalline solar cell recycling, emphasizing the importance of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable PV waste management solutions in the constantly evolving solar energy market.

Suggested Citation

  • Mina Akhter & Ahmed Al Mansur & Md. Imamul Islam & M. S. Hossain Lipu & Tahia F. Karim & Maher G. M. Abdolrasol & Thamer A. H. Alghamdi, 2024. "Sustainable Strategies for Crystalline Solar Cell Recycling: A Review on Recycling Techniques, Companies, and Environmental Impact Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5785-:d:1430464
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hana Kim & Hun Park, 2018. "PV Waste Management at the Crossroads of Circular Economy and Energy Transition: The Case of South Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Tuhibur Rahman & Ahmed Al Mansur & Molla Shahadat Hossain Lipu & Md. Siddikur Rahman & Ratil H. Ashique & Mohamad Abou Houran & Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan & Eklas Hossain, 2023. "Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-30, April.
    3. Kang, Sukmin & Yoo, Sungyeol & Lee, Jina & Boo, Bonghyun & Ryu, Hojin, 2012. "Experimental investigations for recycling of silicon and glass from waste photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 152-159.
    4. Klugmann-Radziemska, Ewa & Ostrowski, Piotr, 2010. "Chemical treatment of crystalline silicon solar cells as a method of recovering pure silicon from photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1751-1759.
    5. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Surya Dev Singh & Pradyut Anand & Mario Di Nardo & Abhishek Kumar Singh & Shatrudhan Pandey, 2025. "Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Technology of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Solar Panels: A Systematic Review," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(8), pages 7283-7328, December.
    2. Le Quyen Luu & Thanh Quang Nguyen & Soroush Khakpour & Maurizio Cellura & Francesco Nocera & Nam Hoai Nguyen & Ngoc Han Bui, 2025. "Material Demand and Contributions of Solar PV End-of-Life Management to the Circular Economy: The Case of Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Ding, Ning & Zhang, Zhan & Yang, Jianxin & Li, Xinyu & Sun, Shouliang & Zhao, Siqi, 2026. "Implications for PV module ecodesign from a life cycle perspective under the framework of the EU ecodesign sustainable products regulation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PB).
    4. Mumtaz, Hamza & Sobek, Szymon & Sajdak, Marcin & Muzyka, Roksana & Werle, Sebastian & Procek, Marcin, 2025. "Innovative recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels with the aim of polymer degradation and valuable chemical production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).

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