A review of end-of-life crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic panel recycling technology

With the goal of Net-Zero emissions, photovoltaic (PV) technology is rapidly developing and the global installation is increasing exponentially. Meanwhile, the world is coping with a surge in the number of end-of-life (EOL) solar PV panels, of which crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV panels are the main type. Recycling EOL solar PV panels for reuse is an effective way to improve economic returns and more researchers focus on studies on solar PV panels recycling. Most recent recycling technology studies stay at the experimental stage, and problems of high cost, low recycling value, and secondary pollution are usually ignored. In this review, to establish an efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly recycling technology system, we systematically summarized the EOL c-Si PV panel module recycling technologies and condition parameters in three sections: module disassembly, module delamination, and material recycling and reuse. We discussed current technology strengths and weaknesses and research development directions in each section. This review aimed to provide a technical reference for the upcoming recycling surge of EOL PV modules all over the world.