Solar Panel Recycling: Why Does It Matter?

Solar power is booming. Global PV capacity grew from 1.4 GW to 760 GW by the end of 2020.

If this is not amazing enough, today, solar power generates almost 4% of the global electricity needs.

Before we start celebrating the achievement, we must also know that some experts believe that this power-generating method is nothing more than a ticking time bomb.

Today, more than 90% of the photovoltaic cells are used in solar panels. These panels rely on crystalline silicon. Now, why is that a problem?

The problem is that crystalline silicon has a lifespan of 30 years. Expert forecasts state that 8 million metric tons of these panels will be generated as waste at the end of 2030.

While we might be happy to generate power without using any fuel, after a decade, the same method will generate toxic waste.

This is why experts are emphasizing recycling solar panels.

A Second Life To The Solar Panels

Solar companies are trying to recycle and reuse the material from solar panels. Reusing solar panel material is considered the cheapest and most effective way to recycle solar panels.

For example, a used solar panel will cost almost half the price of a new solar panel. And the components in the solar panel might even be sold at half the price in the market.

However, some experts even claim that installing used panels might not even be of any worth considering the amount of electricity they will generate. The used panels that are usually sold are in a condition that can be dumped in a landfill.

Why Is Solar Panel Recycling Important?

Solar energy is inexpensive and environment-friendly. But, it is important to note that the solar panel you are using to generate power has only 20 years of lifespan. After the 20 years mark, the crystalline silicon in the solar panel will start underperforming. This will be the time to replace them or dispose of them completely.

As the decades go by, more and more solar panels are disposed of. It is predicted that by the end of 2050, the world will have more than 80 million tons of solar panel waste.

To avoid generating so much waste, solar panel recycling is important.

Recycling Solar Panel Will Repurpose Rare and Expensive Elements

Recycling solar panels will be economically impactful. Elements like gallium and indium used in solar panels are getting depleted from the environment. If we can recycle solar panels, we can conserve the limited amount available on earth.

Recycling Is Good For Environment

Like any other product, disposing of it is not environmentally friendly. In addition, heavy metals like lead and cadmium can harm the natural surrounding if they are not properly disposed of. All in all, by recycling, we can keep harmful materials out of the landfill and the environment.

How Are Solar Panels Recycled?

When talking about solar panel recycling, it is important to understand the different physical elements of the photovoltaic cell.

Most solar panels are made up of these basic components.

• A metal frame made up of aluminum.
• Glass or plexiglass.
• Crystalline silicon solar cells.
• Wiring.

Out of all the materials, a solar panel is made up of glass, aluminum, and copper are recyclable materials. However, the real problem lies with solar cells. Recycling a solar cell is not as simple as just glass and copper.

The material in the photovoltaic cells must be separated and recycled differently, making it a complex process. In addition, solar cells also contain a polymer sealing, which contains a chemical called Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, further complicating the recycling process.

So, how exactly can you recycle solar cells?

As it stands today, there are two methods used for recycling solar cells.

Chemically Recycling Solar Panels

Chemical treatment is the process of heating the solar cells and delaminating the solar panel. The chemical helps to separate the chemical component and recapture it in its pure form.

Research in this area has been conducted with promising results. The only thing it lacks is its large-scale adaptations.

The process involves using chemical compounds that release harmful gases during the heating process, which presents challenges to its commercial visibility.

Mechanically Recycling Solar Panels

The more simple form of recycling solar panels is mechanical recycling. This form of recycling can be performed on a large scale. The mechanical recycling process involves dismantling the entire solar panels and recycling their parts separately.

In the mechanical recycling process, the materials are broken down into smaller forms. The consistency is similar to that of sand.

From there, the material is passed through magnetic separation, where isolate and metal are separated. The valuable material can be reused to make glass, insulation, and other things.

Solar Panel Reuse & Refurbishment

Solar panels are considered to last for almost 20 years. And on this lifespan, the warranty is covered. However, solar panels still continue to function after 20 years. It is just that their performance dropped.

This leads to a question - can solar panels be reused or refurbished?

And the answer is they can be reused and refurbished. In fact, this method will be the most economical depending on how little processing it will be required compared to mechanical and chemical recycling methods.

In addition, with the low price of reused solar panels, people can easily afford to install them in their homes. Yes, they will produce low energy. But, if everything is calculated well, they are still worth it.

The Takeaway

We can’t actually feel proud about a renewable energy source that will create pollution in the next 20 years. The key here is to create a circular economy system that reuses the material in EV batteries and solar panels that will be discarded after 20 years.

When people started using wind energy, they thought it to be an effective method to generate power. However, after a windmill completes its lifespan, it becomes really difficult to dispose of its body.

People are already having a hard time recycling the blades of windmill turbines. If we are moving forward with solar energy, we must also have a solution for the wasted solar panel after 20 years.