Modelling, analysis and forecasting of photovoltaic waste in Malaysia towards sustainable recycling by 2050

Malaysia is currently pushing for greater solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration through various policies, hence need to assess the consequent PV waste situation in preparation for sustainable End-of-Life (EoL) management of the PV systems. Through incorporation of fixed-loss, early-loss, and regular-loss scenarios into Malaysia 's PV roadmap, it is projected that 229,009.17 tons to 481,137.12 tons of PV waste would be generated by 2050. Implementing current achievable PV material recovery rates would result in economic value creation between RM 1.02-2.21 billions (USD 213.78-463.92 millions) and carbon emissions avoidance between 398,858.41 tons CO 2 -eq to 785,712.93 tons CO 2 -eq by 2050. With crystalline silicon (c -Si) technology contributing more than 60% of waste share, 2029 to 2039 would be the suitable time period to jumpstart recycling operation due to consistent annual c -Si waste input of 8,000 tons/y for financially sustainable recycling. These findings can help garner support for sustainable EoL management of PV waste in Malaysia.